Stop Workplace Violence
In the 11 years since the Columbine killings, schools have radically ramped up their security measures, as well as awareness and enforcement around issues of violence. In a recent article, a workers' compensation expert argues that employers should be doing the same.
Teresa A. Long, director of injury management strategies for the Institute of WorkComp Professionals in Asheville, N.C., cites statistics from the U.S. Institute for Occupational Health & Safety saying a million workers are assaulted and a thousand are murdered at work each year.
Long says there are almost always signs before a violent workplace incident. Co-workers may notice a worker's mood shifts, hostile attitude or even threats of suicide or harm to others. It's important for employers to educate their workers about reporting those sorts of red flags, she says.
Long said companies also need to understand that triggers like domestic problems, drug abuse or termination often precede violent outbursts.
Zero-tolerance policies regarding threats, pre-employment screening and other safety measures are important not just for keeping employees safe but also for avoiding workers' compensation costs, Long said. She said courts are increasingly ruling that employers are responsible for violent incidents if they can be found negligent in preventing the violence.
Click here to read the complete article in EHS Today magazine.
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