It is our top priority to keep the workplace safe. However, workplace violence remains a serious safety and health issue.It can occur inside or outside the workplace, and can range from threats to fatalities.
Whether they come from a current or former employee, an unknown assailant or as a result of domestic violence or personal problems, many incidents can be foreseen and averted. Keep reading for more information on preventing and dealing with workplace violence.
Identifying Your Risk
Workplace violence can include actions or words that endanger or harm you, or cause you to believe that you may be in danger, including the following:
- Verbal or physical harassment
- Verbal or physical threats
- Assaults or other violence
- Any other behavior that causes you to feel unsafe (bullying or sexual harassment)
Staying Safe
Reduce your odds of experiencing violence in the workplace with the following safety strategies:
- Become aware of and report violent or threatening behavior by co-workers or other warning signs.
- Take all threats seriously.
- Follow procedures established by our Workplace Violence Prevention Program, including those for reporting incidents.
- Learn how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs.
- Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security, and report all incidents immediately in writing.
- Use the buddy system when traveling to unfamiliar locations or when you find yourself in unusual situations.
Stay Alert
Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you are effectively trained in conflict resolution and methods of handling potentially dangerous situations. Adhere to all of our policies to reduce your risk of being involved in dangerous situations that could result in physical violence. For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.
For additional risk management resources, contact INSURICA today.
This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. ©2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Five Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs
When a company experiences significant increases in workers’ compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and spending. The key to spending fewer dollars is more than just stopping a few accidents; it is having a sound safety program designed to continuously improve. This is where a safety program that, at a minimum, is compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards can yield significant savings for by reducing injuries and illnesses, saving workers’ compensation dollars.
Hidden Risks of Summer School: Operational Safety Strategies Schools Can’t Ignore
Summer school risk management is essential to ensuring student and staff safety during the warm months. Many districts overlook the unique challenges tied to summer school risk management. Often, summer sessions operate in secondary campuses, under temporary staffing, and with reduced oversight—making them vulnerable. Proactive planning is essential to keep students and staff safe in environments that may not be designed for extended year-round use.
Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is continuously moving toward digitization, adopting advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modeling software. These innovations help to automate tasks, reduce waste and improve efficiency, productivity and safety.