Workplace violence is a serious occupational hazard that concerns all of us. It is the fourth leading cause of occupational deaths in the United States.
Two of the most important steps an employer can take to reduce workplace violence are to (1) adopt a zero tolerance policy towards violence and (2) train the workforce about workplace violence prevention.
With proper training, employees are more apt to:
- Recognize potential threats of workplace violence
- Respond appropriately and in a timely manner
- Act to increase chances of survival
- Take advantage of available safeguards
- Minimize risk to others
An article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin titled “Workplace Violence Prevention” [January 2011] presents the following graphic to illustrate the difference in how trained and untrained employees respond to a workplace violence incident:
Members of both groups start out with a similar reaction of startle and fear. From that point, the responses of the two groups differ. While the untrained group experiences panic that ends in helplessness, the trained group is able to muster their controlled anxiety to recall their training and then act in a way to reduce violence and maximize survival.
One of the most cost effective ways to provide training to employees is with an appropriate online eLearning course. Workplace Violence is one of the many safety courses you can learn about or preview at CDTLearning.
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