Safety Tips - Commercial

According to the OSHA workplace violence fact sheet

Nearly two million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year.

Workers who are at increased risk include those who:

• exchange money with the public
  

• deliver passengers, goods, or services
  

• work alone or in small groups, during late night or early morning hours
  

Specific workers at risk for violence include:

• health-care and social service workers such as visiting nurses, psychiatric evaluators, and probation officers; community workers such as gas and water utility employees, phone and cable TV installers, and letter carriers
  

• retail workers
  

• taxi drivers
  

Employees who commit acts of workplace violence usually exhibit a pattern of several behaviors, including:

• A history of emotional disturbance, paranoia or easily panicked behavior.
  

• A history of threatening or violent behavior.
  

• Fascination or preoccupation with weapons, especially those that could be used for mass destruction, such as explosives or semi-automatic guns.
  

• Extreme stress from personal problems or life crises.
  

• Being a loner – little or no interaction with fellow employees.
  

• Feelings of being persecuted, continually blaming others for problems and failures.
  

• Engaging in frequent disputes with supervisors or co-workers.
  

If you’re an employer, security is a company benefit that prevents losses and keeps the organization thriving. It’s good business. It’s a sound investment in your company’s future.

If you’re an employee, security is as much a part of your benefit package as medical insurance or vacation policy. As a vital contributor to the organization’s success, you have the right to the safest, most secure workplace possible. You also have a strong part to play in making this a reality.

Employees and employers working together can improve workplace security by following guidelines outlined by the FBI:

• Adopting a workplace violence policy and prevention program and communicating the policy and program to and among employees.
  

• Providing regular training in preventive measures for all new/current employees, supervisors, and managers.
  

• Supporting, not punishing, victims of workplace or domestic violence.
  

• Adopting and practicing fair and consistent disciplinary procedures.
  

• Fostering a climate of trust and respect among workers and between employees and management.
  

• When necessary, seeking advice and assistance from outside resources, including threat-assessment psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals, social service agencies, and law enforcement.