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Don’t Be a Sitting Duck:

How Small Businesses Can Prevent Workplace Violence

In the realm of workplace safety, the specter of violence lurks as a formidable threat.

Recent Statistics Paint a Sobering Picture

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, amazingly 849 fatalities were attributed to various forms of workplace violence in 2022, with homicides comprising a substantial 61.7 percent of these tragic incidents.

Moreover, a chilling report from 2021 revealed that nearly 2 million workers encountered violence within their workplace in the preceding year alone.

While workplace violence is a serious concern for owners and managers of small and businesses (SMBs), often they must grapple with scarce resources and inadequate awareness capabilities. T

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Understanding the Landscape of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can be defined as any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse, even active shooter situations, occurring within a work setting or connected to work duties.

These incidents can arise from various causes, such as disgruntled employees, volatile customers, or even individuals outside the workplace. The consequences are severe, leading to physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial losses, and irreparable harm to your business.

Case Study: The Tale of John’s Descent

Imagine a small marketing agency with twenty-one employees. A storm is brewing in this normally calm work environment as one of the employees, John, has been displaying signs of increasing aggression and irritability over the past few months. He’s been with the company for several years and was initially known for his dedication and positive attitude. However, lately, he’s been frequently late to work, missing deadlines, and his interactions with colleagues have become increasingly confrontational.

Despite concerns raised by some coworkers, management response failed to take action, dismissing John’s behavior as a byproduct of personal turmoil. However, one day, during a team meeting, John’s simmering rage erupts into a fit of threats, hurling insults at his colleagues and threatening physical violence. The situation escalates quickly, and John has to be restrained by his coworkers before he storms out of the office.

While physical harm may have been averted, the emotional scars and shattered sense of security linger as a stark reminder of the dangerousness of complacency in the face of unmet tensions.

Proactive Measures: A Blueprint for Defense

To help prevent and handle these situations, SMBs can adopt a series of cost-friendly strategies tailored to their unique needs:

1. Vigilance in the Face of Aggression: Cultivate a culture where signs of escalating aggression are not brushed aside but are met with earnest concern and proactive intervention.

2. Establish Clear Reporting Channels: Institute transparent avenues for employees to voice concerns regarding behaviors; fostering an environment of trust and accountability.

3. Empower Through Education: Equip managers and employees alike with the tools to identify early warning signs of violence and de-escalate volatile situations through targeted training initiatives.

4. Addressing Root Causes: Rather than superficially dismissing disruptive behaviors, delve into the underlying triggers, extending support and resources to employees grappling with personal turmoil.

5. Crafting a Crisis Response Blueprint: Develop comprehensive protocols delineating the steps to be undertaken in the event of a violent incident, ensuring swift and coordinated action to mitigate harm.

6. Nurturing a Culture of Respect: Foster an ethos where mutual respect, empathy, and open communication serve as bulwarks against the tide of conflict, fostering a harmonious workplace ecosystem.

Resourceful Solutions

As you can see from the above list of preventive measures there is a lot that SMB owners and managers can do with little or no cash required. Let’s take a look at more cost-effective actions that can be undertaken.

Training Opportunities: Exploit readily available online resources and government-sponsored training programs to empower your workforce with essential skills and knowledge. For instance The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence

Leverage Technology: Leverage technology solutions, such as panic buttons, security cameras, access control and alarm systems, and visitor management software, to enhance the security of your workplace without breaking the bank.

Tap Into External Support: Tap into resources offered by government agencies, industry associations, and community organizations that provide guidance, training, and support for businesses seeking to improve their security posture.

Invest in Employee Wellbeing: Prioritize employee wellness initiatives, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health resources, to support employees experiencing stress or trauma related to workplace violence. Invest in an active shooter personal survival program.

Stay Informed: Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in workplace violence prevention through industry publications, workshops, and networking events. Continuously assess and update your strategies to adapt to evolving threats and challenges.

Institute Change: Turn Theory into Action

Get started right away by forming a security team to brainstorm areas of exposure that need to be addressed in your company.

• Address underlying employee issues immediately. Don’t let persistent unusual behavior pass without saying something.
• Offer support for employees for stress, mental health, or personal problems.
• Analyze critical risks.
• Solicit suggestions from employees and outside experts to improve safety and security.
• Create a comprehensive emergency action plan ready for deployment in times of crisis.
• Review and discuss the plan regularly (make it a part of staff meetings) to keep safety and security an important part of the company culture.

Workplace violence is often a preventable threat. By implementing a combination of preventive measures and resourceful, cost-efficient solutions, SMB owners and managers can create a safer more productive work environment. Prioritizing employee safety not only protects your workforce, but also fosters trust and resilience, ultimately promoting business success. Remember, even small steps can make a significant difference in mitigating the risks associated with workplace violence.