Types of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a serious issue affecting the health and safety of two million people each year. The business community has a responsibility and a legal obligation to respond to and prevent violence against their employees. Doing so not only benefits the employees and the community, it also reduces a company's liability and maximizes productivity.
Types
Workplace violence is any act of physical violence that occurs at work. Threats of physical violence, intimidation, verbal assaults, stalking and harassment also are considered workplace violence. These dangerous and disruptive behaviors can occur in person, online and over the telephone.
Some workers are at increased risk due to the nature of their jobs. For instance, workers who deal with money, handle deliveries, work alone, work late at night, work early morning hours, have extensive contact with the public or visit private residences are at significant risk.
Causes
Workplace violence can be caused by abusive employees, irate customers and even strangers. It also may be the result of non-work-related issues, including road rage and domestic violence. Domestic violence is violence against an intimate partner, such as a spouse, a family member or a dating partner. Although any person can be a victim of domestic violence, most victims are women. In fact, 74 percent of battered women were harassed by their partners while they were at work.
Effects
Workplace violence is a staggering issue. It is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. Additionally, more than one million women are stalked each year in this country, and more than 25 percent of them say they miss work as a result. Additionally, more than 7.9 million paid work days are lost each year due to domestic violence. Other impacts include increased health care costs, absenteeism, errors and employee turnover.
Considerations
Many states have laws that protect employees who are being victimized by intimate partners. For instance, these laws stipulate that businesses cannot fire employees due to the violence they are experiencing. Although the laws vary from state to state, some laws also require employers to make "reasonable workplace accommodations" for the victimized employees, including time off to attend court.
Developing appropriate company programs can address these issues. Additionally, it positions the company to be proactive rather than reactive and establishes the business as a leader in the community.
Prevention/Solution
Companies can prevent violence by developing secure workplaces. Safety features can include video cameras, extra lighting, alarms, identification badges, electronic keys and security guards. Offering escorts to vehicles, limiting cash on hand and encouraging employees to keep people informed of their schedules also increase safety.
Other safety steps include encouraging communication regarding violence, reporting violent incidents to the police immediately and making referrals to outside resources when needed. For employees visiting private residences, companies should empower them with the freedom to leave situations that feel unsafe and teach them spot warning signs.
