On-the-Job Training Prevents Workplace Violence

May 3, 2001
An expert explains how to recognize the warning signs that often proceed a workplace violence incident.

The horror of workplace violence can happen anywhere and to any business.

Approximately 650 homicides, 2 million assaults and 6 million serious threats are committed in the workplace each year.

Experts estimate that two-thirds of these incidents are preceded by behavioral red flags.

They might have been prevented had management or coworkers been better trained to act on their observation or instincts.

"The best weapons for business are awareness and prevention," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California (IINC). "Corporate managers and personnel need training to recognize the warning signs for workplace violence. Once recognized, corporate policy needs to address the best methods to deal with such volatile situations."

Miller said the warning signs are numerous. For instance, if an employee has a dramatic behavior or personality change, is chronically disgruntled with the job and assignments, blames others for their problems, intimidates, threatens violence or perceives unfairness or injustice, immediate intervention could prevent violence.

Managers, supervisors and employees must take all threats seriously and executive management should have clearly stated written policy regarding the reporting and handling of such incidents, Miller said.

"The human and economic impact of workplace violence can be devastating," said Miller. "Besides the human toll, workplace violence researchers estimate the cost to American business ranges between $6 billion and $36 billion a year. Negligent hiring and retention out-of-court settlements due to workplace violence lawsuits averaged more than $500,000, with jury verdicts in these cases averaging about $3 million."

Miller said companies can help reduce their risk of workplace violence by conducting thorough background checks on new employees; establishing a "zero tolerance" of threats, intimidation or any act of violence, and it should be included in the mission statement and employee handbook; instituting an effective grievance process; and offering a continuos forum for training and education.

If confronted with workplace violence, IINC recommends the following:

  • Stay calm and non-confrontational.
  • Slow everything down.
  • Speak slowly and keep distance from perpetrator.
  • Do not become animated in your body language.
  • If a weapon is displayed, try to go for safety personnel or summon the police.
  • Keep in mind that most assaults last no more than 10 minutes. Immediate action can save your life.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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