Violence in the Workplace: How to Prevent and Defuse for Supervisors

Course Description:

Workplace violence is a major concern for employers and employees nationwide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers, and visitors. Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Fortunately, workplace violence incidents can be prevented when a supervisor is trained to handle potential violence in a way that protects everyone from harm. This session is intended for supervisors who play an important role in preventing violence, recognizing potential threats, defusing violent situations, and training employees to follow proper security procedures.

Why “Violence in the Workplace: How to Prevent and Defuse for Supervisors” Matters:

• One-sixth of violent crimes occur in the workplace. There are over 1.5 million incidents a year.
• Violence is the second leading cause of workplace deaths. Three workers die each day. Guns are involved in 80 percent of deaths.
• As many as 18,000 people are assaulted at work each week.
• Violence costs American industry millions in lost productivity, legal fees, and other related expenses every year.
• And, certain types of jobs pose a higher risk for violence, including those where employees handle cash, work alone, work late-night or early morning hours, work in high-crime areas, guard valuables, or work in community settings.

Key Points:

• Workplace violence can take many forms and has numerous causes.
• Keep alert to signs of potential violence and take immediate action when you recognize them.
• And, make sure to follow security procedures and encourage employees to do likewise.