If you employ people, there is a risk of workplace violence. There is a potential for attacks and assaults at any establishment, whether large or small. You and other Florida business owners may be interested in learning about workplace violence and the ways in which to protect your employees, as well as your legal interests.
According to the National Safety Council, 18,400 people were injured and 458 were killed across the United States in 2017 in violent incidents in the workplace. Healthcare, the service industry and education are environments especially prone to workplace violence. Violence at work generally falls into the categories of criminal intent, client/customer, worker-on-worker and personal relationship. How can you prevent violence at your workplace and protect your staff? The following tips may help:
- Recognize the signs an employee may become violent, including changes in behavior or reacting badly to recent discipline.
- Adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violence in the workplace.
- Provide training and informational material about workplace violence, protective strategies and coping.
- Consider conducting mock training sessions with law enforcement to address different workplace violence scenarios.
A violent incident, whether it involves a personal conflict between two people or a mass attack against an entire floor, can be terrifying for staff to endure. Additionally, the aftermath may involve complex legal matters that can impact your business. This is a complex and sensitive topic to address. Therefore, the information in this blog is meant to educate you, but it should not replace the advice of a lawyer.