Steps To Prevent Workplace Violence   

June 17, 2006
Author: Tom Perkins - Business Development Coach and Certified Personal Trainer   

Workplace violence is becoming more and more common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), there were 551 workplace homicides in 2004 in the United States, out of a total of 5,703 fatal work injuries.  These are just the statistics for the most violent workplace injuries. They might not seem like a lot, but consider the numbers associated with violence claims. 

The Department of Justice estimates that workplace violence claims more than 1 million victims each year. Other studies indicate the figure to be closer to 2 million people. The annual cost of workplace violence to U.S. business is between $20 and $35 billion dollars. 

Workplace violence is blind in respect to industry, occupation, size of company and/or targeted employee.  In short, there is no rhyme or reason to predicting which professional or business is likely to have to deal with the next violent act.  Many believe that workplace violence is random, but its not.  There are, in fact, several warning signs that can alert you to a potential problem.  Recognizing these common behavioral traits can go along way in preventing workplace violence. 

The Warning Signs 

Potentially violent people share common traits.  Often, they feel as if they have been singled out unfairly for reprimand.  These individuals express the need to be in control, believe they are always right, and may also exhibit self-destructive or even suicidal tendencies. 

Recognizing an individual proned to violence can often be as easy as taking the time to observe your employees’ interactions with each other and clients.  Are any of your employees proned to jealousy?  Do they resent authority, demonstrate paranoia or have an abnormally high obsession with their privacy? 

Individuals that are showing signs of psychological instability will typically experience a dramatic change in their personality.  They may withdraw, become depressed or experience extreme stress, guilt or shame.  You may notice that they excessively criticize themselves or speak of a tremendous sense of hopelessness or doom. 

There are also several indicators that can point to the pending eruption of a violent incident.  Some individuals ready to commit violence will experience rapid breathing, broken speech patterns, shaking and abnormal sweating. Others may simply appear detached; wear a distant or blank expression on their face, or demonstrating an inability to concentrate. 

Finally, NEVER IGNORE A THREAT. Err on the side of caution and report all threats and possible indications of violence to the authorities. All too often, threats of violence are ignored or brushed off with tragic consequences. 

Taking preventative measures to stop workplace violence starts with assessing your organization.  A general assessment designed to evaluate the presence of any specific risks of violence, both from within and outside the organization will help you fully understand the particular safety and security needs of your organization.  Once you have completed an assessment, create a formal written Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Program.   

Other steps you can take to prevent workplace violence:

• Create and sustain a workplace culture that fosters professionalism and mutual respect among employees and between employees and managers.

• Implement effective and fair disciplinary practices. 

• Demonstrate care in hiring, including the use of criminal background checks, where appropriate and legally available, to screen out applicants with a history of violent crime, within legal limits. 

• Develop safe termination practices such as the involvement of security personnel in the termination of employees whose behavior has raised a concern with possible violence.

Addressing workplace violence isn’t an option; it’s your responsibility as an employer. Organizations that take a proactive role in preventing workplace violence not only avoid costly incidents, but also benefit from feeling more confident, secure, and safe.  

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