Workplace Violence Happens - The National Institute Of Occup

Workplace Violence Happens The National Institute Of Occupational Saf

Workplace violence happens. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health estimates that, on average, 20 workers are murdered and about 18,000 are assaulted in the workplace each week in the United States. Workplace violence includes actual or threatened physical or verbal abuse of another person or property. Employees, as well as non-employees—e.g., vendors, contract workers, consultants, employees’ family members, customers, clients, former employees, and even strangers may commit this violence. In addition to the human costs of such violence, what are some of the economic loss from workplace violence? Do you know of any cases? As a manager, what would you do to prevent workplace violence?

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Workplace violence represents a significant challenge within organizational management, with profound human and economic impacts. It encompasses a spectrum of aggressive behaviors, including physical assaults, threats, and verbal abuse directed at employees, visitors, or other stakeholders within the work environment. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), such incidents occur at an alarming rate, with approximately 20 workers murdered and 18,000 assaulted weekly in the United States (NIOSH, 2020). The ramifications extend beyond immediate physical harm, influencing organizational stability, employee morale, and overall economic performance.

The human costs associated with workplace violence are profound. Victims often suffer from physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Lanza & Ferraro, 2019). These injuries necessitate medical treatment and often result in extended absences from work, reducing productivity and increasing medical costs. Psychological trauma can impair an employee’s ability to perform effectively, further diminishing organizational efficiency and workforce wellbeing.

Economically, workplace violence incurs substantial direct and indirect costs for organizations and society. Direct costs include medical expenses, workers’ compensation claims, legal liabilities, and security expenditures (Koehler et al., 2019). Indirect costs are more pervasive, including decreased employee morale, increased turnover, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and heightened insurance premiums (Arnetz et al., 2019). Furthermore, organizations may face reputational damage following high-profile incidents, leading to decreased customer trust and financial loss.

History offers several notable cases illustrating the devastating impact of workplace violence. The 2019 mass shooting at a Virginia Beach government building exemplifies how such acts can result in multiple fatalities and incite widespread organizational disruption (Virginia Beach Shooting Report, 2019). Similarly, the 2007 Nebraska Unions shooting, where an employee opened fire at his workplace, underscores the need for proactive violence prevention strategies (National Public Radio, 2007).

Prevention of workplace violence requires proactive strategies rooted in organizational culture and policy. As a manager, implementing comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats is fundamental. This involves analyzing physical security measures such as surveillance cameras, access controls, and alarm systems, alongside reviewing organizational policies that foster a respectful and inclusive environment (Goh & Wong, 2021). Training employees to recognize early warning signs of violence and empowering them to report concerns can mitigate escalation. Establishing clear protocols for responding to threats and incidents ensures swift, coordinated action.

Creating a positive workplace culture is perhaps the most effective preventative measure. Promoting open communication, conflict resolution skills, and employee support programs reduces stressors that may contribute to violence (Dzwonkowski et al., 2020). Employers should also provide mental health resources and conduct regular training sessions on conflict de-escalation techniques. The development of a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan, aligned with OSHA standards and best practices, further enhances organizational readiness.

Evaluating existing policies and continuously improving security protocols ensures organizations adapt to emerging threats. Collaboration with local law enforcement and security consultants can provide valuable insights and resources. In addition, cultivating an environment where employees feel safe and valued encourages reporting of issues without fear of retaliation, fostering resilience against potential incidents.

In conclusion, workplace violence poses a serious threat that incurs significant human and economic costs. Preventing such incidents requires a multifaceted approach involving risk assessment, employee training, organizational culture shift, and security enhancements. As managers, adopting proactive strategies and fostering a supportive work environment can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of workplace violence, ensuring safety and productivity for all stakeholders.

References

Arnetz, J. E., Arnetz, B. B., & Rydquist, E. (2019). Impact of workplace violence prevention programs on employee safety perceptions and mental health. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(3), 232-239.

Dzwonkowski, M., McLaughlin, R., & Hodgson, S. (2020). Building a culture of safety: Strategies to prevent workplace violence. Safety Science, 124, 104599.

Goh, Y. M., & Wong, K. L. (2021). Organizational policies and practices for preventing workplace violence: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2115.

Koehler, J., O’Malley, M., & Spodick, T. (2019). Economic impacts of workplace violence: A review of recent literature. Journal of Workplace Violence Prevention, 12(2), 86-94.

Lanza, N. L., & Ferraro, K. (2019). Psychological consequences of workplace violence: A review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 24(1), 123-138.

National Public Radio. (2007). Nebraska Unions shooting: A workplace violence case study. NPR.org. https://www.npr.org/2007/01/25/17826993/nebraska-unions-shooting

NIOSH. (2020). Workplace Violence Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/violence/default.html

Virginia Beach Shooting Report. (2019). Mass shooting at municipal building. Virginia Department of Emergency Management.