A Closer Look: The Past, Present, and Future of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence affects employees and organizations worldwide. Specifically in North America, learning from past incidents and key trends is essential for creating safer work environments.
The Present: Defining Workplace Violence & Key Stats
From physical altercations to psychological harassment, workplace violence encompasses any act or threat of violence, whether involving physical force, firearms, or other dangerous weapons. Specific types of workplace violence include incidents perpetrated by unauthorized individuals at the worksite; violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, or visitors; and conflicts involving present or former employees, supervisors, or managers.
Certain occupations face a higher risk of workplace violence, particularly jobs involving notable human-to-human interaction. For instance, cashiers, customer service representatives, and healthcare workers often encounter volatile situations. Healthcare and social service industries witness a disproportionate number of workplace violence incidents, with healthcare workers — such as nurses and doctors — being at the forefront of events.
In fact, violence against healthcare workers is 12 times higher than workers situated in other industries.
Additionally, psychological violence, including bullying and mobbing, is on the rise. Nearly 30% of the workforce, or approximately 50 million Americans, report being bullied at work. This concerning trend underscores the urgency for organizations to have preventive measures and awareness campaigns to create safer work environments.
The Past: Real-World Examples
Let’s delve into a few specific examples of workplace violence incidents:
1. Postal Service Shootings
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has faced several violent incidents over the years. In 1986, a disgruntled employee, Patrick Sherrill, opened fire at a post office in Edmond, Oklahoma, killing 14 coworkers before taking his own life. This tragedy prompted discussions on workplace safety protocols and employee well-being.
2. The Xerox Murders
In 1988, a Xerox office in Honolulu, Hawaii, witnessed a horrifying incident. A former employee, Byran Uyesugi, returned to the workplace and shot seven coworkers, resulting in six fatalities. The incident highlighted the importance of early intervention and addressing employee grievances.
3. Walmart’s Black Friday Tragedy
In 2008, a Walmart employee in Valley Stream, New York, was trampled to death by a crowd during the Black Friday rush. The incident underscored the need for crowd management and safety measures during high-traffic events.
The Future: Workplace Violence Prevention Plans & Training 101
Having a workplace violence prevention plan is crucial for maintaining a safe and secure work environment. In the United States, several states have enacted legislation mandating employers to implement such plans. One notable example is California’s Senate Bill 553, which will take effect on July 1, 2024. Here are three key components of the legislation:
Plan Creation and Maintenance: Employers must establish and maintain a written plan, which can be a separate document or a section within the employer’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP). This comprehensive plan should cover all work areas and address various types of workplace violence, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees.
Exemptions: Certain scenarios are exempt from Senate Bill 553, including teleworking employees not under the employer’s control, small employment locations inaccessible to the public, and specific healthcare facilities and law enforcement agencies.
Initial and Ongoing Training: Employers play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety by providing employees with critical training.
Training serves as an educational foundation, ensuring employees thoroughly understand the plan’s provisions, recognize warning signs of potential violence, and awareness of how to respond effectively.
Furthermore, part of the requirement involves conducting annual training sessions. These sessions serve to reinforce awareness and keep employees informed about any changes to the plan. During yearly training courses, topics should cover a wide range of topics, including recognizing potential threats, mastering de-escalation techniques, and understanding the proper procedures for reporting incidents.
By consistently updating employees and fostering a culture of vigilance, organizations can proactively address workplace violence and create safer environments for all.
Additional Considerations
Establish a Zero-Tolerance Policy: Clearly communicate to employees that any act of violence, such threats, intimidation, verbal harassment, and physical misconduct, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Create a Safe Reporting System: Motivate employees to report suspicious behaviors or threats. Implement a confidential reporting system where employees can report issues without fear of retaliation.
Cultivate an Empathy-Driven Work Culture: Foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and positivity within the organization. Encourage collaboration, conflict resolution, and provide support for employees experiencing stress.
Workplace violence is a critical issue that demands our attention. Organizations across North America must take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. By learning from past incidents and implementing effective preparation strategies, we can create safer work environments for everyone. Prioritizing prevention, fostering a culture of safety, and recognizing the shared responsibility among employers, employees, and policymakers are essential. Regular training sessions reinforce awareness and keep employees informed about plan updates.
Immersive learning through virtual reality (VR) provides an engaging and cost-effective way for companies to train on topics, such as workplace violence prevention. VR can be used to help employees develop critical skills and stay up to date with industry best practices. Sisu VR offers innovative workplace violence, DEI, ethics, and anti-harassment training focused on preparing employees for emergencies and cultivating empathy.
A safer workplace benefits everyone, and proactive measures can prevent incidents before they occur. If you are interested in learning ways to integrate VR into your workplace violence training and prevention plan, reach out to us. Remember, addressing workplace violence requires collective efforts from employers, employees, compliance vendors, and policymakers. Let’s work together to foster a culture of safety, inclusivity, and respect in our workplaces! 💎
PS How do you prepare for workplace violence? Do you have a suggestion on how to prevent such disastrous events? We would love to hear your thoughts and questions! Leave us a comment below, and remember to share this article with a friend, neighbor, or colleague 👍
