Workplace Violence

Workplace violence has become a growing problem in recent years.  This webpage is dedicated to increasing awareness about workplace violence and to decreasing incidents of violence in the workplace.

National Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.
(800)-558-8976
http://www.crisisprevention.com

This is an overview.  For further, more in depth information on workplace violence, please click here.

Statistics

• Workplace homicide is the fastest growing type of homicide; there are more than 2 million workplace assaults in the U.S. every year. There are 16 million workers who are harassed and 6 million who are threatened.
• A study estimated that for every five workplace violence incidents that occur, only one is reported.
• The rate at which supervisors are murdered at work has doubled since 1985.
• The U.S. Dept. of Justice found that 1 out of every 6 crimes occurs at work.
• In 1993, there were 110,000 reported incidents of violence in U.S. workplaces, causing 750,000 deaths and costing employers $4.2 billion.

High Risk Employees

• Staff who tend to act on the basis of their emotions.
• Staff who do not think about consequences to actions.
• Staff who focus only on their own needs.
• Staff who have an inflexible approach to life.
• Staff who behave in passive-aggressive ways.
• Staff who avoid reality, lie and deceive.
• Staff whose behavior and performance change.

Indicators That a Situation May Become Violent

• A person gets red in the face, starts to shake, clenches a fist, can’t sit still.
• A person invades your personal space, becomes “pumped up” and stares at you.
• A person uses overt or veiled threats, finger pointing, menacing looks.
• A person speaks disjointedly, mumbles to self, looks around in searching manner.
• If you notice any of these indicators, carefully pull away and immediately notify a supervisor, human resources, security or police.

Confronting Aggressive Behavior

• Ask yourself if confronting is the best choice.
• If so, where do you confront?
• Start with an “I” ownership statement.
• Describe specific behaviors, not general attitudes.
• Acknowledge, don’t argue.
• Request specific behavior changes.

De-Escalating a Potentially Explosive Situation

• Ask for a time out to allow everyone to re-group.
• Invite the person to follow you to another safer place.
• Keep your voice level calm, low and in control.
• Do not become argumentative.
• Regardless of how distorted the person’s view, acknowledge it.
• Do not try to reason when others are out of control.
• Take long, deep breaths to calm yourself down.
• Focus on listening; acknowledge the person’s strong feelings.
• Assure others that you would like to find a solution.
• Repeatedly reassure others that there is a way to work this out.

Coping with Threats and Violence
For angry or hostile customer or co-worker:

• Stay calm, listen attentively.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Be courteous and patient.
• Keep the situation in your control.
• Offer suggestions and solutions.
• Get supervisor to find solutions.
• Signal co-worker or supervisor (code words).
• Do not make calls yourself; stay focused on the person.

For someone threatening with a gun, knife or other weapon:

• Stay calm, signal quietly for help (code words).
• Maintain eye contact.
• Stall for time; ask questions.
• Keep talking, but follow instructions from assailant.
• Don’t risk harm to yourself or others.
• Don’t try to be a hero; this could be more risky.
• Never try to grab a weapon.
• Watch for a chance to escape to a safer place.