Violence, including murder and assault, happens in just about any industry. The presence of strong policies, combined with management support and effective implementation of policies and procedures, are all important measures to help protect workers.
Each workplace is different and the steps needed to prevent violence against workers may vary. Be sure to account for differences in your working environment as you plan and implement policies and procedures to stop workplace violence.
The following checklist identifies some of the questions you need to ask to help you recognize the danger signs and prevent future acts of violence in your workplace.
| Recognize the Risks | YES | NO |
| Do you have direct contact with the public? | ||
| Are there large amounts of cash in your worksite? | ||
| Do you transport passengers? | ||
| Does your business provide goods or services? | ||
| Do you serve people who might be volatile or unstable? | ||
| Do people at your worksite work alone or in small groups? | ||
| Is your workplace in a high crime zone? | ||
| Are valuables kept in your work location? | ||
| Do you work in a community-based setting? |
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then you may have a workplace that is at high risk for violence. It means you need to take action. Below are some things you can check to help improve the situation.
| Anti-Violence Strategies | YES | NO |
| Your workers are separated from clients by barriers, such as bulletproof glass | ||
| Cash kept on site is limited by deposits into lock boxes | ||
| Signs are visible stating that employees have no money or no access to money | ||
| Desk areas have emergency buttons that are readily accessible | ||
| Security alarms are connected to company security and to local police | ||
| Metal detectors are present at all entry doors | ||
| The work area is well lighted | ||
| Parking lots are well lighted | ||
| Security guards patrol the area, including parking lots | ||
| There are working security cameras throughout the workplace, including stairwells and garages | ||
| Security guards accompany workers to their cars after hours | ||
| Visitors are not allowed to wander through the workplace unescorted | ||
| There is a workplace security plan in place | ||
| A security analysis of the workplace has been conducted | ||
| The plan is periodically reviewed and updated | ||
| There is a workplace violence policy in place | ||
| Responsibility for implementing and enforcing the plan has been assigned to appropriate personnel | ||
| All employees have been trained in how the policy works | ||
| Employees have been trained to recognize risks that could lead to violence | ||
| There is a standard response to all incidents and suspicious events | ||
| Employees report all incidents and suspicious events | ||
| All actions against employees who are violent or cause disruptions are taken promptly and are not postponed | ||
| Records are kept of all incidents and suspicious events | ||
| All violent incidents are discussed with affected employees | ||
| Counseling sessions are available after an incident occurs | ||
| Employees are trained on how to recognize increasingly aggressive behavior | ||
| Employees have been trained on how to help reduce conflict | ||
| Employees are protected from reprisals for reporting conflicts | ||
| Employees clearly understand the consequences of violent or disruptive behavior |
800-ICW-SAFETY (800.429.7233)
SAFETYOnDemand@icwgroup.com
