Save Yourself From Workplace Violence
The workplace can be a dangerous place.
Many employees are walking "time-bombs," not that they have a bomb-but they could.
Customers and former employees can also pose a threat.
I'm not an alarmist, but I think it's wise to take proactive measures and reasonable precautions to avoid being a victim.
The Extent of the Problem The extent of workplace violence may surprise you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008-2009 report on "Fatal Occupational Injuries" the Assaults and Violent Acts in 2009 included 521 homicides, 420 shootings, 48 stabbings, and 237 self-inflicted injuries.
Deaths by homicide and other violence was the second leading cause of workplace fatalities, behind only transportation (highway collisions, accidents, etc.
).
The statistics on non-fatal workplace violence are even more alarming.
The U.
S.
Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics reports "U.
S.
residents suffered an annual average of 1.
7 million...
[non-fatal]...
violent workplace victimizations" (1993-1999).
The Workplace is More Volatile With the economy faltering and employers initiating workforce reductions, layoffs, cut-backs, curtailments, cost-containment, salary "freezes," and a host of other unpleasant actions to reduce labor expenditures, many employees are "on edge.
" And, with so many on edge, some will inevitably go over the edge.
How an employee reacts to the increasing workplace stresses, uncertainties, and challenges, depends on how management handles the situation, the employee's maturity, mental health, perceptions, support network, and importantly; indeed a whole range of factors.
Most of Us aren't Psychologists The typical manager, employee or co-worker doesn't have the knowledge or skills to assess the risks surrounding an unbalanced, irrational, vindictive, or angry co-worker or customer.
Since we lack the credentials, and knowledge-base to make these analyses, it is prudent to develop a more aware, proactive, and realistic mindset.
As a Manager You May Think you've "Seen it All" You haven't seen it all! - And neither have I.
I've never been taken hostage, had someone shoot at me, or been injured.
However, I have felt threatened: once by an employee who brought a gun to work, and another time by an erratic drugged-out employee.
I've been yelled at, called names, verbally abused, threatened, etc.
I worked in a facility where several people were shot, and one killed (in the Emergency Room at LAC+USC hospital).
I've had people throw things at me and punch-out co-workers.
I've had to: call security or the police, restrain people, sign complaints, reprimand employees, discharge people, suspend employees, implement layoffs, physically remove people from the premises, etc.
After discharging an employee from work for stealing, and carrying a weapon, this individual parked his car across the street for days, just looking up at my office window.
One night after leaving work I went to my car, turned on the ignition, and heard "tick," "tick," "tick.
" My imagination ran wild, when actually I had just left the turn signal on.
As a manager, for any length of time, you've probably experienced similar situations.
Fortunately, like my car experience, most situations do not escalate into violence.
However, it's normal to be concerned, apprehensive, and stressed.
Preventative Actions Prevention and preparation are the most practical and effective measures.
Strict "zero tolerance" polices must be put in place and enforced.
Employee education and training sessions, along with regular risk evaluations need to be scheduled.
These sessions should include personal safety advice regarding parking lots, automobile entry/exit, driving, home safety, etc.
Promoting a culture of violence prevention, avoidance, awareness, and responsiveness in your workplace and among your employees should be the goal.
Survival Tips Occasionally circumstances will get out of hand.
Here are some basic survival tips: --Recognize your feelings and suspicions --Be aware of your surroundings --If someone acts suspicious, don't ignore it --Call Security; Call 911 --Know where the exits are --Better to make a graceful exit than become a statistic --You don't have to be a hero --Try to defuse, rather than escalate disagreements --In life-threatening situations leave negotiating to the pros; you may say the wrong thing --If shooting starts, hit the floor - you'll look dead or like less of a target Resources: Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.
bls.
gov Bureau of Justice Statistics: http://bjs.
ojp.
usdoj.
gov/
Many employees are walking "time-bombs," not that they have a bomb-but they could.
Customers and former employees can also pose a threat.
I'm not an alarmist, but I think it's wise to take proactive measures and reasonable precautions to avoid being a victim.
The Extent of the Problem The extent of workplace violence may surprise you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008-2009 report on "Fatal Occupational Injuries" the Assaults and Violent Acts in 2009 included 521 homicides, 420 shootings, 48 stabbings, and 237 self-inflicted injuries.
Deaths by homicide and other violence was the second leading cause of workplace fatalities, behind only transportation (highway collisions, accidents, etc.
).
The statistics on non-fatal workplace violence are even more alarming.
The U.
S.
Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics reports "U.
S.
residents suffered an annual average of 1.
7 million...
[non-fatal]...
violent workplace victimizations" (1993-1999).
The Workplace is More Volatile With the economy faltering and employers initiating workforce reductions, layoffs, cut-backs, curtailments, cost-containment, salary "freezes," and a host of other unpleasant actions to reduce labor expenditures, many employees are "on edge.
" And, with so many on edge, some will inevitably go over the edge.
How an employee reacts to the increasing workplace stresses, uncertainties, and challenges, depends on how management handles the situation, the employee's maturity, mental health, perceptions, support network, and importantly; indeed a whole range of factors.
Most of Us aren't Psychologists The typical manager, employee or co-worker doesn't have the knowledge or skills to assess the risks surrounding an unbalanced, irrational, vindictive, or angry co-worker or customer.
Since we lack the credentials, and knowledge-base to make these analyses, it is prudent to develop a more aware, proactive, and realistic mindset.
As a Manager You May Think you've "Seen it All" You haven't seen it all! - And neither have I.
I've never been taken hostage, had someone shoot at me, or been injured.
However, I have felt threatened: once by an employee who brought a gun to work, and another time by an erratic drugged-out employee.
I've been yelled at, called names, verbally abused, threatened, etc.
I worked in a facility where several people were shot, and one killed (in the Emergency Room at LAC+USC hospital).
I've had people throw things at me and punch-out co-workers.
I've had to: call security or the police, restrain people, sign complaints, reprimand employees, discharge people, suspend employees, implement layoffs, physically remove people from the premises, etc.
After discharging an employee from work for stealing, and carrying a weapon, this individual parked his car across the street for days, just looking up at my office window.
One night after leaving work I went to my car, turned on the ignition, and heard "tick," "tick," "tick.
" My imagination ran wild, when actually I had just left the turn signal on.
As a manager, for any length of time, you've probably experienced similar situations.
Fortunately, like my car experience, most situations do not escalate into violence.
However, it's normal to be concerned, apprehensive, and stressed.
Preventative Actions Prevention and preparation are the most practical and effective measures.
Strict "zero tolerance" polices must be put in place and enforced.
Employee education and training sessions, along with regular risk evaluations need to be scheduled.
These sessions should include personal safety advice regarding parking lots, automobile entry/exit, driving, home safety, etc.
Promoting a culture of violence prevention, avoidance, awareness, and responsiveness in your workplace and among your employees should be the goal.
Survival Tips Occasionally circumstances will get out of hand.
Here are some basic survival tips: --Recognize your feelings and suspicions --Be aware of your surroundings --If someone acts suspicious, don't ignore it --Call Security; Call 911 --Know where the exits are --Better to make a graceful exit than become a statistic --You don't have to be a hero --Try to defuse, rather than escalate disagreements --In life-threatening situations leave negotiating to the pros; you may say the wrong thing --If shooting starts, hit the floor - you'll look dead or like less of a target Resources: Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.
bls.
gov Bureau of Justice Statistics: http://bjs.
ojp.
usdoj.
gov/
