JEFFERSON CITY – “Struck or injured by fellow worker, patient, or other person” is one of the leading causes of workers’ compensation injuries that we see in Missouri. These include workplace violence, which is potentially under-reported. Workplace violence incidents may include violence from co-workers, patients, clients or the public, and they can even stem from domestic violence situations.
Workplace violence can cause fatal or non-fatal injuries to victims and can also affect the entire organization by causing fear and anxiety, decreased productivity, lower morale, increased absenteeism, turnover and negative public perception.
While no business is completely immune, there are certain industries and occupations that may have increased risk factors for workplace violence incidents:
- businesses where exchange of money occurs
- working around high-valued items or property
- working with the public
- working with volatile, unstable people
- working in high-stress situations or interacting with people in distress
- working around people with a history of violence
- working alone or in isolated areas
- working late at night or in high crime areas
- working around where alcohol is served
Hazard reduction techniques can be industry or job specific, however all employers can start by having a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence. A workplace violence prevention program can include engineering and administrative controls. Other suggestions include:
- Conduct a physical assessment of your workplace to look at design, layout, signage, physical barriers, lighting and visibility, and access control.
- Avoid having employees work alone, when possible. Have staff “check-in” regularly and ensure they have a good means of communication available should a situation arise.
- Conduct background checks and have a reporting system (to include near misses and threats) to identify people with a history of assaults and violent behavior.
- Provide training to staff on identifying warning signs, de-escalation techniques, and training on your company’s workplace violence prevention policy.
- Guards and security devices including alarm systems (i.e. panic buttons), video surveillance, and metal detectors can also be used.
- Have a visitor policy and check-in procedures, and ensure staff have sufficient escape/exit routes should the need arises.
- Have a response team set up that can assist an employee in an escalating situation and establish a rapport with your local police department who may respond to incidents in your facility.
If an injury occurs due to workplace violence, ensure employees receive timely and appropriate medical treatment, report the injury to your workers’ compensation insurance carrier and/or OSHA as appropriate, record the incident, and conduct a post-incident investigation. Update your workplace violence prevention program as needed. Offer debriefing or counseling services for workers impacted by workplace violence incidents.
Resources: For more workplace injury and fatality data and statistics, toolbox talks, and written safety programs, visit the Department’s https://labor.mo.gov/safe-at-work.
NIOSH’s Online Workplace Violence Prevention Course for Nurses: Online Workplace Violence Prevention Course for Nurses | NIOSH | CDC