Workplace Violence

Examples of Workplace Violence:

• Physical assault and/or threat of.
• Stalking or continuous harassment of another causing terror, fear, worry or intimidation.
• Actions aimed at disrupting or sabotaging business operations.
• Indirect threats such as, “I know where you live.”

If you are a victim or a witness:

• Call 9-911 immediately and advise the dispatcher of the following:
  • Your name, location and type of workplace violence.
  • Injuries and extent of the injuries.
  • Is a weapon involved?
  • Is the perpetrator still in the area?
  • Does the threat still exist?
  • A description of the attacker and direction of flight.

If no injuries occurred or there is no imminent danger:

• Call 9-911 and report incident.
• Advise your supervisor of the incident.

Types of Threats:

• Written
  • Notes or letters
  • Faxed messages
• Electronic
  • Telephone or voice mail
  • E-mail
• Stalking
  • Following a person on or off site.
  • Repeatedly being in the same area when requested not to be.
• Harassment (also see Harassment Policy in Employee Handbook)
  • Any behavior which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or campus living environment, and
  • which is based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected characteristic, and
  • if such conduct would be offensive to a reasonable person.
• Overheard Threats
  • Overheard threats which are directed against an employee, student or property.

What to do if Confronted By a Threatening Person.

• Leave the area/get out of harm’s way...example: excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.
• Call 9-911 immediately.

If Unable to Leave the Area:

• Try to stay at a safe distance.
• Try to calm the threatening individual.
• Try to get the attention of a co-worker so they can call 9-911.
• Listen to the individual, letting them do most of the talking.
• Use delaying techniques to give the individual the opportunity to calm down.
• Acknowledge the person’s feelings.
• Be respectful and empowering.
• Be reassuring and point out choices.

DON'T:

• Upset the individual with communication that generates hostility.
• Reject all the person’s demands from the start.
• Use body language/speech that challenges the person.
• Make sudden movements.
• Belittle, criticize or agitate the person.
• Make false statements or promises.

Profile of A Workplace Violence Suspect:

• Has irrational beliefs and ideas.
• Is fascinated with weapons and acts of violence.
• Expresses a plan to hurt one’s self or others.
• Incites fear among co-workers.
• Displays unwarranted anger.
• Is unable to take criticism.
• Has a noted change in usual behavior.
• Feels victimized.

All Emergencies Dial: 9-911