Workplace Violence
Most people think of violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence and harassment are a much broader problem. While exact definitions vary in legislation, generally speaking, workplace violence or harassment includes:
What is considered harassment?
Threatening behaviour – such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects
Verbal or written threats – any expression of an intent to inflict harm
Verbal abuse – swearing, insults or condescending language
Physical attacks – hitting, shoving, pushing or kicking
Written Policies
It is required by law for an employer and any applicable partner to develop a workplace harassment and violence policy jointly. Workplace Violence and Harassment policies should:
- Provide clear examples of unacceptable behaviour and working conditions
- State your organization’s view of workplace violence and harassment clearly, and its commitment to prevention
- Encourage reporting of all incidents, including reports from witnesses
- Outline the confidential process by which employees can report incidents and to whom
- State the consequences of making threats or committing violent acts
- State applicable regulatory requirements
Preventative Measures
Preventive measures generally fall into three categories, workplace design, administrative practices and work practices.
1. Workplace design considers factors such as workplace lay-out, use of signs, locks or physical barriers, lighting, and electronic surveillance to improve worker safety.
2. Administrative practices are decisions you make about how you do business. For example, certain administrative practices can reduce the risks involved in handling cash.
3. Work practices include all the things you do while you are on the job. People, who work away from a traditional office setting can adopt many different work practices that will reduce the risk of violence. For example: Prepare a daily work plan, so that you and others know where and when you are expected somewhere.
Understanding Behaviors
It is extremely important to understand that the following behaviours do not mean a person will become violent, but they may indicate that the person is experiencing high levels of stress. Each situation is unique and outside assistance may be necessary to determine if intervention is required.
Warning Signs:
- Pushing the limits of acceptable conduct or disregarding the health and safety of others
- Disrespect for authority
- Making inappropriate statements
- Holds grudges, especially against his or her supervisor
- History of violence
- Threatening behaviour
- Intimidating behaviour
Violence in the Workplace:
- Call the authorities (if required)
- Investigate and document all details of the incident
- Report incident (if required)
- Use appropriate disciplinary actions
- Review existing workplace procedures, training requirements, and the Workplace Violence Risk Assessment
Workplace Violence
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