>> Dealing With Workplace Violence in Your Business - Part 1

Though commonly considered to be acts of physical assault, workplace violence is actually a problem of much greater range. Workplace violence consists of any behavior in which a person is threatened, intimidated, abused, or assaulted at or relating to his or her employment. It may include such acts as:
• Threats, verbal or written - which includes any expression where there is an intent to harm the recipient.
• Harassment - acts which embarrass, demean, humiliate, annoy, abuse, or alarm the recipient, where these acts are known to be unwelcome and undesired. These acts may include gestures, words, intimidation, bullying, and any other inappropriate behaviors.
• Verbal abuse - swearing, cursing, insulting, or using language that is condescending.
• Threatening behavior - this includes pounding furniture or walls, shaking fists, throwing objects, or destroying property.
• Physical attacks - including pushing, shoving, hitting, kicking.
Workplace violence doesn't necessarily need to occur at the workplace itself. It can happen at any business-related functions that occur off-site, such as conferences, social events, and trade shows, or away from work altogether, such as in the case of threatening phone calls.
There are many elements of a workplace - such as its processes and interaction styles - that can place employees at greater risk of workplace violence. Such elements may include:
• Working directly with the public
• Performing inspections or enforcement duties
• Handling or transporting money, prescription medications, or valuables
• Providing services, advice, education, or health care
• Working directly with volatile or unstable people
• Working where alcohol is sold or served
• Working directly with communities
• Working alone or in very small groups, or in isolated areas
• Working overnight hours