Employers have legal and ethical obligations to promote a work environment free from threats and violence. Some situations are beyond employers’ control and are simply not preventable. However many situations can be prevented by doing some or all of the following:
Adopting a workplace violence policy and prevention program AND communicating the policy/program to your employees.
Providing regular training in preventive measures for all new/current employees, supervisors, and managers.
Fostering a climate of trust and respect among workers and between employees and management.
Supporting, not punishing, victims of workplace harassment and providing assistance programs.
When necessary, seeking the assistance of outside resources, including threat-assessment psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
Doing pre-employment screening. While pre-employment screening is an obvious means of preventing workplace violence, it must, however, be consistent with privacy protections and anti-discrimination laws. There are many other creative means that may be helpful! Please contact us today to discuss further.