What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even death. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Workplace violence includes but is not limited to:

• Physical violence
• Harassment
• Intimidation
• Other threatening disruptive behaviour that occurs at the work site

How can workplace violence hazards be reduced?

Behaviours of concern can help workers recognize potential problems with fellow employees. If a coworker begins acting differently, determining the frequency, duration, and intensity of the new, and possibly troubling, behaviour can prove helpful. Specific behaviours of concern that should increase vigilance for co-workers and supervisors include:

• Sadness or depression
• Verbal abuse
• Threats
• Inability to handle criticism
• Menacing or erratic behaviour
• Hypersensitivity to perceived slights
• Aggressive outbursts
• Offensive commentary or jokes referring to violence
• References to weaponry

These behaviours—when observed in clusters and coupled with diminished work performance (as manifested by increased tardiness or absences, poor co-worker relations, and decreased productivity)—may suggest a heightened violence potential. It must be pointed out, however, no single behaviour is more suggestive of violence than another. All actions have to be judged in the proper context and in totality to determine the potential for violence.

Care must be taken when dealing with what can be highly charged situations. Certain signs that may help determine if a co-worker is experiencing such difficulties include:

• Disruptive phone calls and e-mails • Frequent absences and tardiness • Anxiety • Use of unplanned personal time • Poor concentration • Disruptive visit from current or former partners • Unexplained bruises or injuries

Remember that all incidents are different and must be viewed on their own individual merits.

What is the process if I witness or experience workplace violence?

Report concerns regarding workplace violence to your supervisors or Human Resources Department.

Your employer will investigate all threats, incidents of actual violence, and suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as possible.

Your employer will not retaliate against employees making good-faith reports of threats, violence, or suspicious individuals or activities. Following an investigation, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination of employment.

If you want to learn the leadership skills needed to control work situations see our team leading courses.