Question

Experts and consultants in the field of risk management have concluded that workplace violence is a trend that demands the attention of all organizations. Hillard Heintze, a leading security and risk management firm have concluded that U.S. Corporations and public agencies will confront even higher risks associated with workplace violence. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) recently reported that violence int he workplace increased by 23 percent to become the second-most common fatal event in 2016, behind transportation incidents.

Imagine that you have been asked to join a task force in your organization that will develop training and procedures to ensure that the your workforce is prepared and aware of how to recognize, report and survive a threat of workplace violence. Explain what you think is important to include in this program and why.

Answer 1

answer-

As a part of task force for prevention of workforce violent,i would consider following points to be important in this program-

Type of violence occurred in the workplace. These violence can include a range of incidents like

• Harassment
• Name calling
• Obscene language or gestures
• Intimidation or threats of violence
• Theft
• Stalking or assault
• Arson or sabotage
• Bombing
• Hostage-taking or kidnapping
• Extortion
• Suicide
• Homicide

these are included in this program to send the status of the incident to the leader of the team force.

next would be who were involved in this incidents like other employees, managers, public, customers etc. so that we can identify the source of violence and who did it.

after that conduct an initial assessment for workplace violence risk factors (that reflect an increased likelihood of violence), question factors such as:

• Do employees have contact with the public?
• Does an exchange of money occur?
• Is there selling/dispensing of alcohol or drugs?
• What is the nature of delivery of passengers, goods, or services?
• Is the workplace mobile?
• Is there exposure to unstable or volatile persons?
• Do any employees work alone or in small numbers?
• Do employees work late at night or during early morning hours?
• Do employees work in high-crime areas?
• Do employees work with valuable property or possessions?
• Do employees work in community settings?
• Are employees deciding on benefits, or in some other way controlling a person’s future, well-being, or freedom?

The findings from an assessment should then help the organization identify specific conditions that need further attention. Other data sources to evaluate as part of the assessment process include records of past incidents, the OSHA 300 injury and illness log, past workers compensation claims, and police reports. Depending on your findings, preventive control strategies may include:

• Screen and conduct background investigations on potential employees to identify past incidents of violence
• Consider implementing drug testing for potential and current employees
• Provide a confidential EAP to address substance abuse, emotional, marital, and financial problems, and to provide employees with a list of relevant community resources
• Train the designated VRT to take prompt and decisive action on pending or in-progress incidents, as well as to provide appropriate response immediately following an incident
• Promptly investigate all workplace violence incidents
• Communicate and ensure understanding of the workplace violence prevention policy to all employees, managers, and visitors
• Provide alarm systems, panic alarms, noise devices, cell phones, e-mail or other electronic media and/or two-way radios as means to alert others in potential danger to the occurrence of a workplace violence incident.

While reporting, investigation and prompt response to incidents of workplace violence is critical, post-incident response is also essential. Comprehensive treatment for victims and other affected employees can aid in recovery and assist the employee in confronting or preventing future acts of violence. Never allow or encourage a victim of violence to directly confront their aggressor. Following an incident victims, witnesses, or responders

these above steps will help to make the workforce effective and help us to  ensure that the our workforce is prepared and aware of how to recognize, report and survive a threat of workplace violence.