Preventing Violence in The Workplace.

• Author: NEVILLE, HAIG
• Position: Statistical Data Included

Workplace violence happens all too frequently in the United States, yet few firms are adequately prepared to deal with it. To reduce exposure-to the violence itself and to its costly aftermath-businesses must have a comprehensive plan for preventing workplace violence. The plan must address both applicants and existing employees, spell out actions to take when, a potentially violent employee is identified, and determine how to handle the discharge of such individuals. From recent research on the topic of workplace violence, we have developed a number of strategies to help head off potentially dangerous situations.

Whether it's a fistfight between coworkers or a disgruntled customer coming in to settle a score, workplace violence is something employers must plan for. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there were more than 709 workplace homicides in 1998. The same Justice Department study reported a total or two million violent incidents o cm-ring in the workplace during a five-year period from 1993 to 1998, including one million simple assaults and 400,0 0 aggravated assaults. These figures understate the problem because most incidents of workplace violence and aggression go unreported.

A study conducted by the Workplace Violence Research Institute estimated the cost of workplace violence to American businesses to be at least $36 billion per year. Costs include medical a d psychiatric care, lost business and productivity, repairs and cleanup, higher insurance rates, increased security costs, and worst of all, the loss of valued employees. In addition, business owners are increasingly being held liable for not making their premises safe for employees a d customers. Potential areas of workplace violence-related litigation that should concern employers include civil actions for negligent hiring, workers compensation claims, third-party claims for damages, invasion of privacy actions and Occupational Safety and Health Administration violation charges.

Screening Applicants

The first step in preventing workplace violence is careful hiring. Investigate the applicant's background to determine fitness for the job. Be aware that some experts in workplace violence believe that placing demands on employees that they are not equipped to handle can lead to excess stress and possibly to violence. Be cautious about hiring someone for a job for which he or she is clearly underqualified, thinking the individual will have time to "grow into it." It...