Understanding and Preventing Violence in the Workplace

By Karin
In May of 1995, the Workplace Violence Research Institute (WVRI) released figures regarding violence in the workplace. The WVRI estimates that every workday 16,400 threats are made, 723 workers are attacked, and 43,800 are harassed. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety further postulates that an average of 20 workers are murdered each week and 1 million workers are assaulted annually in the United States.

INTRODUCTION


In May of 1995, the Workplace Violence Research Institute (WVRI) released figures regarding violence in the workplace. The WVRI estimates that every workday 16,400 threats are made, 723 workers are attacked, and 43,800 are harassed. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety further postulates that an average of 20 workers are murdered each week and 1 million workers are assaulted annually in the United States. The problem of violence in the workplace is one that employers and employees alike cannot afford to ignore. Violent acts occurring in the workplace are becoming more and more common, costing employers time, money and resources. Understanding and preventing workplace violence will avert needless catastrophes and save businesses billions of dollars.

In order to fully explore methods of preventing violence in the workplace, employers should consider three factors. First, what constitutes violence in the workplace and how big is this problem? Second, what are the ramifications of violence in the workplace? Third, how can employers prevent, diagnose, and respond to violence in the workplace?


DEFINITIONS

Workplace Violence and Domestic Violence

The first step in understanding workplace violence is to define workplace violence and domestic violence (as it relates to the workplace.) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is charged with the task of assuring safe and healthful working conditions for every working person and preserving human resources. (Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1975, Public Law 91-596) In a Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) issued by the NIOSH (CIB #557, July 1996), workplace violence is defined as “violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed towards persons at work or on duty.” This includes, but is not limited to, bodily injury, and any language or behavior that is considered harassing or threatening that makes a person feel uncomfortable in the workplace. These acts can be as subtle as verbal intimidation or as shocking as homicide, and include domestic violence as it relates to the workplace. Domestic violence is defined as “all acts of physical and psychological violence, including harassing or intimidating behavior, that occur as part of personal relationships such as marriages or other intimate relationships.” This includes spousal abuse and abuse among interpersonal relationships, as well as sexual and physical abuse of children and/or the elderly or the infirm.

Workplace violence can result from domestic violence. An employee who is a victim of domestic violence will usually exhibit signs of domestic violence, which in turn may lead to a loss of productivity at work, absences from work and heightened anxiety levels at work. Domestic violence situations can often lead to violent acts committed against the employee at the employee’s workplace. This can cost employers time, money and resources when ignored, in addition to creating an unsafe environment at work for the employee. American society tends to look the other way when witnessing domestic violence or signs of domestic violence. Not only is this morally unacceptable, but it is also irresponsible. Employers who chose to ignore domestic violence affecting their employees are setting the stage for potential workplace violence, loss of productivity, lower employee morale, and financial losses.

Unfortunately, when an employee is involved in domestic violence, the victimizer can count on work being the one dependable place that the victim can be found. Typically, victims of domestic violence feel that they have little control over their lives and will often seek solace in the reliability of work. This creates a situation in which victims are more at risk while working. Franscescia La Rose was an employee at State Mutual Life Insurance when she was dealing with domestic violence issues with her ex-boyfriend. She took out a restraining order in an effort to protect herself, and informed her employers of her concerns and of her restraining order. Unfortunately, her employers failed to take the necessary security precautions, and her ex-boyfriend was able to enter her workplace and shoot her to death. La Rose’s family sued State Mutual Life Insurance for their lack of appropriate security. The case settled for $350,000. Had La Rose’s employers recognized the threat La Rose felt her ex-boyfriend posed, and taken proper security measures, her death could have been prevented.

A more widely publicized form of workplace violence occurs between employers and employees. Newspapers and television shows alike broadcast these events, leading to the misconception that these are the most common occurrences of workplace violence. “US Postal Service Employee Shoots and Kills Supervisor.” “Four Managers Killed at LA Business.” “Employee Kills Three, Injures Four at Manufacturing Plant.” All of these deaths could have been prevented had employers taken the time to educate themselves and their employees and institute security measures.

According to the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Statistics, from 1992 until 1996, strangers committed 59.6% of all acts of workplace violence. People with whom the victim had a relationship committed 36.7% of workplace violence incidents. This demonstrates the need for employers to recognize both aspects of workplace violence, those committed by strangers and those committed by someone with whom the victim had a prior relationship, typically related to domestic violence outside the workplace.