Workplace Violence Prevention Resources
The subject of violence in the workplace has become an increasing concern. Over the past few years our heightened national security has the made workplace, particularly in major cities, almost impossible to enter without clearing some sort of security system. All of these barriers notwithstanding, there still remains a threat either from internal employees or visitors who seemingly have a reason to be in a particular location and are therefore able to pass through these security systems.
This topic is also a subject matter that many organizations overlook. Only when something terrible happens are they unfortunately thrown into the realization of how vulnerable they were. Today when we think of violence in the workplace we often think of avoiding terrorism or similar large scale disasters. This focus, unfortunately, causes us to forget that there are many other sources of violence - from the disgruntled employee who strikes a co-worker to the angry spouse who enters the workplace and attacks his/her spouse. This list is quite possibly endless. When such an event happens not only is there potential liability for the employer for failing to prevent the occurrence, but the workplace can become crippled with fear and it may take serious intervention on the part of professionals to get the workplace back on track. The links below will take you to some very useful and detailed sites dedicated to violence prevention in the workplace. It's worth a read.
- OSHA Website devoted to workplace violence.
- Centers for Disease Control - Developing a Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Policy.
- Books available on the subject of workplace violence.
- AFSCME Guidelines on preventing workplace violence.