It is our top priority to keep the workplace safe. However, violence in the workplace remains a serious safety and health issue. It can occur inside or outside the workplace and can range from threats to fatalities.

Whether they come from a current or former employee, an unknown assailant, or as a result of domestic violence or personal problems, many incidents can be foreseen and averted. Keep reading for more information on preventing and dealing with workplace violence.

Identifying your risk

Workplace violence can include actions or words that endanger or harm you, or cause you to believe that you may be in danger, including the following:

• Verbal or physical harassment
• Verbal or physical threats
• Assaults or other violence
• Any other behavior that causes you to feel unsafe (e.g., bullying, sexual harassment, etc.)

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Staying safe

Reduce your odds of experiencing violence in the workplace with the following safety strategies:

• Become aware of and report violent or threatening behavior by co-workers or other warning signs.
• Take all threats seriously.
• Follow procedures established by our Workplace Violence Prevention Program, including those for reporting incidents.
• Learn how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs.
• Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security, and report all incidents immediately in writing.
• Use the buddy system when traveling to unfamiliar locations or when you find yourself in unusual situations.

Stay alert

Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you are effectively trained in conflict resolution and methods of handling potentially dangerous situations. Adhere to all of our policies to reduce your risk of being involved in dangerous situations that could result in physical violence. For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.

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This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2010, 2014, 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.