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Stemming the
Staggering Costs of Workplace Violence
While companies work diligently to manage, track and reduce
unintentional
workplace injuries, they often forget about workplace violence
issues on and off-the-job.
Why should they focus more on these issues? One only need look at
the Virginia Tech
campus in Blacksburg, VA for an answer.
Beyond the cost in human life, workplace violence costs are a
staggering $120 billion
per year. In addition to on-the-job costs, off- the-job costs due to
violence are enormous
for America’s workforce. In 2004, the costs to the nation were close
to $193.6 billion.
The warning signs in Blacksburg make it clear that more than law
enforcement is
necessary to put a stop to crime and unpredictable violence. Even
when acted upon, it
still can be difficult to prevent. “Training is an essential
component in preparing individuals
to operate safely in any environment,” said Paul Schmitz,
vice-president of Executive
Defense technology. “You don’t need to be a black belt to protect
yourself. Safety
awareness about your environment and education on how to escape a
compromising position
will be your key to staying safe on a daily basis.”
The OSH Act (General Duty Clause) requires employers to provide a
safe and healthful
workplace for all workers covered by the OSH act. Employers who do
not take
reasonable steps to prevent or abate a recognized violence hazard in
the workplace can
be cited.
What Can Employers Do?
The best protection employers can offer is to establish a
zero-tolerance policy toward
workplace violence against or by their employees. The employer
should establish a
workplace violence prevention program or incorporate the information
into an existing
accident prevention program, employee handbook or manual of standard
operating
procedures.
It is critical to ensure that all employees know the policy and
understand that all
claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied
promptly. In addition,
employers can offer additional protections such as the following:
• Provide safety education for employees so they know what conduct
is not acceptable,
what to do if they witness or are subjected to workplace violence,
and how to protect
themselves;
• Secure the workplace. Where appropriate to the business, install
video surveillance,
extra lighting, and alarm systems and minimize access by outsiders
through
identification badges, electronic keys and guards;
• Provide drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand. Keep a
minimal amount of
cash in registers during evenings and late night hours;
• Equip field staff with cellular phones and hand-held alarms or
noise devices, and require
them to prepare a daily work plan and keep a contact person informed
of their location
throughout the day. Keep employer provided vehicles properly
maintained;
• Instruct employees not to enter any location where they feel
unsafe. Introduce a
“buddy system” or provide an escort service or police assistance in
potentially
dangerous situations or at night; and
• Develop policies and procedures covering visits by home
health-care providers. Address
the conduct of home visits, the presence of others in the home
during visits,
and the worker’s right to refuse to provide services in a clearly
hazardous situation.
What Can Employees Do?
Nothing can guarantee that an employee will not become a victim of
workplace
violence. These steps, however, can help reduce the odds:
• Learn how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse potentially violent
situations by attending
personal safety training programs;
• Avoid traveling alone into unfamiliar locations or situations
whenever possible;
• Carry only minimal money and required identification into
community settings; and
• Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security and
report all incidents
immediately in writing.
As the Virginia Tech massacre shows, the above steps may not prevent
violence,
but a program that can help provide employee safety, increase
production and reduce
operating costs makes good sense.
Thanks and good luck.
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