How to Reduce Potential Workplace Violence

• Conduct thorough background checks on potential employees. Many employers currently do this, but some have become more lax due to financial concerns.
• Provide proper training. All employees should be trained on hazards specific to their jobs. Managers should be trained to pick up on sudden changes in behavior and other possible danger signs.
• Create an open-door policy and protocols for safety concerns. Make sure that employees feel safe when coming to a supervisor about a possible safety issue. Create a protocol for reporting a concern for violence and follow-up on the matter with discretion.
• Have a zero-tolerance policy. Never condone or forgive a violent matter of any kind.
• Have removable security systems (i.e. monitoring systems or a personal key code system) setup to disable a terminated employee's access. The harder it is for a disgruntled employee to get into the building, the less likely he or she will try.

For help with identifying potential workplace violence and/or training your staff on how to respond in a dangerous situation, please contact our HR experts at 888-810-8187.

Source: www.osha.gov