The numbers of fatalities are down from the early 1990s, but homicide is still a leading factor in workplace deaths in New Hampshire and around the U.S. That’s why every employer should have a plan to prevent workplace violence, and to address it if it does occur.
Employers can take steps to prevent workplace violence, according to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Employers should consider installing video surveillance, alarm systems, and more lighting. Insure that the staff has cell phones and hand-held alarms. Have a drop safe so there is less cash around, particularly during the early morning and late night hours. Finally, control access to the workplace. Use guards, I.D. badges, and electronic keys.
It is important to be sure that outside sales people and other staff members who must be out of the office at certain times keep employers informed of their itinerary and file a daily work plan as a safety measure. Employees should be given an escort if they are not comfortable leaving the building at night.
Streaming videos and downloads about preventing workplace violence are available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Certain workers are at greater risk than others. Those who exchange money with the public are among them. So are employees who deliver passengers, goods, and services, who work alone in small groups on late night or early morning shifts, and those working in high crime areas.
Healthcare workers, visiting nurses, psychiatric evaluators, probation officers, gas and water utility workers, phone and cable TV installers, mail carriers, taxi drivers, and retail workers all have a great degree of public contact in communities and homes. They are at high risk. Nurses, in fact, suffer more assaults on the job than police officers, usually in hospitals but sometimes when visiting homes. Procedures allowing healthcare providers to refuse treatment in an obviously dangerous situation should be set up.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there were more than 200 workplace murders in the early 1990s, compared to 94 in 2006. OSHA considers the problem a major concern. More than 2 million people in all professions are the focus of workplace violence in the U.S. annually.
OSHA New Hampshire Worker Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employers provide a “safe and healthful” workplace. That means, among other things, taking the necessary precautions to prevent or limit hazards of workplace violence. Not to take those measures can result in stringent penalties.
If violence occurs, however, employers should take certain measures quickly. Report any violent incident to police immediately. Offer first aid and other medical attention promptly. Insure that victims understand their legal right to prosecute the perpetrators. Talk about the incident with employees and support them in sharing ideas about how to avoid similar problems in the future. And offer stress debriefing or counseling to all workers.
Employers are encouraged to have a system for dealing with workplace violence that is practiced they way fire drills are practiced. Employers should take all threats seriously and employees should report any threat of violence no matter how seemingly trivial. Every incident deserves an investigation. Detailed, accurate records of threats and incidents should be kept, and corrective action taken.
OSHA has outlined a number of preventive steps that are not guarantees, but will reduce the danger to workers.
Employees should receive a training program showing them how to recognize, defuse, or avoid a possibly violent incident. All employees should tell supervisors or managers of any concern about safety and security dangers, from suspicious behavior by a coworker to a malfunctioning door.
It is important that employees report all incidents promptly and in writing. Signs of possible violent behavior include property destruction, threats, verbal abuse, minor assaults, and rage.
Other measures are important as well. Employers are urged to warn employees against traveling alone into situations and locations that are unfamiliar. It would be inappropriate for an employee to arrive in a strange city at 2 a.m., for example.
Employees should also realize that it is unsafe to wear expensive jewelry or flash expensive items in community settings. It is also best to carry only the identification required and the absolute minimum in cash.
