Workplace Violence - People are Dying Going to Work

Workplace violence has become a tragic reality today. From minor instances of harassment to homicide today's workplace is littered with danger.

Violence can be described as the unjust or unwarranted use of force and power. Many people in their workplaces are the victims of violence, including verbal abuse, threats, harassment, physical assault, serious bodily injury and death.

We know that violence can occur in any occupation and in a variety of situations. It can be internal to the workplace, or external, such as from a client or visitor.

We appear to live in a society that experiences queue rage, road rage, work rage, a distinct lack of matters and courtesy, unkindness, indifference and anger.

Violence includes acts of verbal, physical and psychological intimidation.

We seem to live on the edge! Incidences of violence against women have dramatically increased.

Do you have an obligation to protect your Workers?

Most government places a requirement on Employers not to place workers, members of the public or volunteer workers at risk.

Managing Potential Workplace Violence

You business must consult with your workers and other parties to the workplace to develop violence control strategies.

Identifying sources of violence

Identify the tasks, work areas, instances and environments where people are likely to be exposed to some form of violence.

Procedures for identification may include:

1. performing a workplace violence audit

2. reviewing existing accident and incident reports

3. gathering additional information from people at the workplace

4. gathering information from the industry on potential incidents

5. disseminating information to staff to increase their awareness of violence as a hazard and to encourage the reporting of violent and potentially violent incidents.

Risk Reduction Strategies

Some of your risk reduction strategies may include:

1.setting up a system for alerting coworkers that urgent help is required. 2.selecting a sufficient number of staff so delays which may raise stress are minimised and support is available when needed.

You can find more information on risk reduction strategies at www.biz-momentum.com

What to do if you experience violence in the workplace

Any person who is being subject to violence at work must inform management at the first reasonably available opportunity.

There are regulations that require your business to report these workplace incidences.

Your reporting duty generally involves reporting mechanisms to the authorities and government bodies, usually workplace health and safety.

You must be able to demonstrate that you take our responsibilities seriously to protect workers and other visitors at the workplace.

For more information on workplace conflict and violence visit us at www.biz-momentum.com

We haved asisted a number of businesses with workplace violence prevention including up to threats of serious violence against workers.

Protect your business and worker today. By incrementally introducing change, policies and procedures you can move your business a long way toward minimising risk.

Philip Lye is Director of Biz Momentum Pty Ltd. He works with small to medium businesses to help them cut through the maze of people matters. Clients get specific actionable strategies to protect their business interests. For more information on Philip, visit http://www.biz-momentum.com and subscribe to his free monthly e-zine.

---

Hire Winners: Avoid These 10 Interview No-No?s

Have you ever hired someone who did not live up... Read More

Take The Guesswork Out Of Problem Solving

In today's chaotic world and uncertain economic times too many... Read More

Best Workplaces

The Best Workplaces report (Financial Times, April 28, 2005) notes... Read More

Jack Welch--Success Is Getting Back Up on the Horse

A few months ago I had the opportunity to spend... Read More

Identifying Candidates for Leadership

A critical task in the succession planning process of any... Read More

Dialogue: the Four Dialogic Principles For Successful Communication

"But you don't understand!" exclaimed the manager, "this new initiative... Read More

Ten Relationship Traits And Skills For Good Leadership

An important aspect of good leadership is the ability to... Read More

Identifying Potential in Ourselves and Others

If there is someone nearby as you read this look... Read More

How To Use W Edwards Deming

Human beings and the way they interact are extraordinarily Complex.... Read More

Conflict at 36,000 ft

This was supposed to be one of those sleepy flights... Read More

Organizational Structure, Creativity, Innovation

Organizational structure can inhibit or foster creativity and innovation. The... Read More

Time Management Tips for Managers

Late last year I was presenting a workshop for the... Read More

Project Management - I Want It ALL

The knee-jerk response to prioritizing requirements is to mark everything... Read More

How to Find the Right Virtual Assistant for You

If you search on Google for "virtual assistant", you'll find... Read More

Rapport - How to Build it with Your Team

I've often heard managers say - "My door is always... Read More

A Rare Leadership Skill: Dealing With People Who Want Out By Offering Crowns For Convoy

As a leader, you'll inevitably be faced with people wanting... Read More

Improving Patient Sensitivity in Doctors and Hospital Staff

COMPANY/ORGANIZATIONA South Florida hospital. The CEO of the hospital saw... Read More

Why Your Company Needs An E-Mail Policy

Everyone at the office thought that using the company e-mail... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? Competition versus Collaboration

There is much confusion as to whether competition or collaboration... Read More

Hiring for Success

Hiring someone new to work in your business is one... Read More

Getting Software Developed for Your Business

At some point, your business is going to need to... Read More

Holding Effective Meetings Can Be Easier than You Think!

I'm sure you've experienced those typical "headache" meetings! You know... Read More

Ringing Doorbells Without Howitzers

Many operations leaders have been there, done that with re-engineering.... Read More

Are You Cascading Your Strategy, or Fragmenting It?

INTRODUCTIONThe typical approach executive teams use to cascade, or roll... Read More

Finding Proactive Solutions: A Key to Demonstrating Your Management Fitness

In my book Talking Points: 25 Tips for Clear, Credible... Read More

Stopping The Brain Drain: How To Capture Key Business Knowledge Before It Walks Out The Door

The verdict is in: More and more baby boomers will... Read More

A Facilitators Guide to Running a Stakeholder Analysis Workshop

This facilitator's guide to running a stakeholder analysis workshop is... Read More

Experiences of Management Coaching (Part 2)

In our experience, we have found that there are several... Read More

Focus on Outcomes to Keep Your Business On-Course

Did you know that an airplane in flight is off... Read More

A Corporate Facelift With Sound Bytes

If Baby Boomers can get botox and tummy tucks, then... Read More

ISO 9001 2000, Getting Started on The Route To Registration

ISO 9001 2000, Getting startedBefore starting the ISO 9001 2000... Read More

The 20/60/20 Rule Of Leadership. Dont Go Solving The Wrong Problems

Several decades ago, a passenger jet approached a Florida airport... Read More

Five Problem-Solving Success Tips

The ability to solve complicated problems quickly is more important... Read More