Workplace Violence

Workplace violence cases can be possibly reduced through appropriate planning and implementation of effective programs. Workplace violence may mean different things. One is physical violence, such as in circumstances wherein an employee shoots his co-workers, managers and supervisors. Studies have revealed that the actual threat that workers are facing is accurately described in the definition of Workplace Violence Research Institute, stating that violence is any act not in favour to the employee that results to an unfriendly work environment and affects employee negatively. Workplace violence could either be physical or psychological. These acts cover all types of verbal or physical threats, assaults, intimidation, coercion, and all types of harassment.

Prevention of workplace violence is not just the concern of the employees. Employers should not just watch a disgruntled former employee who might come back armed with weapons. The company should guard against the risks faced by the employees. An effective program to prevent workplace violence features pre-employment screening, out placement, and physical security, as well as programs for employee assistance, good termination practises, and many other options.

Workplace violence is a serious problem. Several studies focused on the workplace violence’s specific areas found out that out of four employees, one has been threatened, attacked and harassed on their job, leaving them depressed, angry, stressed and fearful after the incident. Co-workers have accounts for the harassment, and the customers were other individuals responsible for the additional attacks. One good thing is that employers who have effective security, grievance, and harassment programs have a lower rate of workplace violence.

Domestic violence often begins at home and is completed at work. The most common case that happens at work is the spousal assault. For those victims being stalked, workplace is a location where they can be usually found. Most of the employees leave their job and change their phone numbers just to avoid the stalker.

In cases of stalking and domestic violence, the possible liability exposure to employers is greater due to the fact that the company is mostly aware of the problem between the employees and the person aims to revenge. Once noticed, the employer should have reasonable precautions for the employee’s and co-workers’ protection.

Most people involved in the workplace violence prevention are more concern of the new and different kinds of legislation. About forty states are coming up with a law to legalise the carriage of secret weapons for protection.

The handgun can increase the possibility of violence. The employers should have a review of the impact on having employees armed with weapons inside the company. Then, the employers should create a written policy regarding those weapons. Most of the companies prohibit firearms. If the policy will be violated, it may result to a job loss. Entrances of company buildings and properties must post the message about prohibitions of guns in the property. The employers may find difficulties in dealing with the guns kept inside the parked vehicle on the company’s property. Allowing weapons or prohibition of it in cars can lead to two different legal dilemmas, which can be addressed by the company’s legal counsel.