NCJ Number
210067
Date Published
2004
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This guide for Mississippi residents is intended to help prevent workplace violence by providing a profile of a potentially violent employee and establishing a protocol for employees and management to report information to a designated law enforcement officer; tips are provided on how to respond during a violent event in the workplace and where to receive help afterwards.
Abstract
The guide first defines "workplace violence" as "any act of violence, against persons or property, threats, intimidation, harassment, or other inappropriate, disruptive behavior that causes fear for personal safety at the worksite." Examples of workplace violence are presented. In discussing what triggers workplace violence, the guide identifies organizational factors, cultural factors, and personal factors. The profile of a potentially violent employee focuses on personality traits and a behavioral checklist. Warning signs include threats of violence against others or threats of suicide; numerous conflicts with customers, coworkers, or supervisors; intimidating or harassing behavior; bringing weapons to the workplace; statements of approval of workplace violence; statements indicating extreme desperation over marital, family, or relationship difficulties; a fanatical fascination with weapons; severe depression; hatred of government or other groups; extreme financial hardship; alcohol or drug abuse; and extreme changes in behavior. Suggestions for preventing workplace violence include awareness/training, pre-employment screening, security, alternative dispute resolution, threat assessment, procedures for reporting workplace violence, drug and alcohol testing, and Employee Assistance Programs. A section on responding to violent incidents focuses on the role of the emergency response team and post-termination protocol. Appended emergency contacts checklist, telephone checklist, sample workplace violence policy, and workplace inspection questionnaire. Appended additional information, resources, and references