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.

---

Better Links Directory

Managing Dickheads

"We are so different and individualistic that we can't work... Read More

Small Business Outsourcing: An Introduction

Outsourcing is the delegation of a business process to an... Read More

Stop Waste, Fraud and Abuse

Each year, businesses write-off six percent of revenue to waste,... Read More

Is Your Employee Newsletter Management Propaganda?

It should not be. If it is an effective newsletter,... Read More

Selective Job Cuts Often Benefits Firm More Than Broad Layoffs Over Long Term

It is difficult to pick up a newspaper or listen... Read More

The Key to Successful Performance Objectives

Have you ever tried to drive somewhere without proper directions?... Read More

How Managers Can Help Retain Their Best Employees

A major problem for employers today is attracting the best... Read More

The New Five Truths of Employee Motivation

Motivation is a term that is so widely used, yet... Read More

The DNA of Motivation

It really is about motivation. After all, what impels someone... Read More

Two Critical Success Factors in an ITIL Implementation

Any IT manager who wants to pursue the IT Service... Read More

Being a Great Boss

Are you one of those bosses that people just love... Read More

Corporate Governance for Business Owners

It is clear that good Corporate Governance is in the... Read More

Management Apathy

I recently received a most interesting phone call.When I answered... Read More

Never Wrestle with a PIG

The business books at the library and book stores fill... Read More

Prioritise Your Day - Keep Focus - Win!

Whether you run your own business or manage a team,... Read More

Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings

Did you know that business executives spend about half their... Read More

10 Ways To Maintain Profits In A Slow Economy

1. Sell more back end products to your existing customer... Read More

Terrible Meetings - Ten Ways to Spot Them!

Sometimes, better than giving advice about how to run things... Read More

Joint Accountability: Another Key for Your Effectiveness

I once was part of a group of management professors... Read More

ISO 9001 Okay Now You Have It How Do You Market It?

Marketing ISO 9001 2000.Lately we've been seeing a lot of... Read More

Humor in Business

With the advancement of computer simulators, anybody can repeat all... Read More

Dont Get Caught With Your PR Down

Why risk the embarassment when with a little basic PR... Read More

Book Summary: Mind Your Own Business

A maverick is an independent person who will not go... Read More

Innovation Management ? Measuring Failure!

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Christmas Carol Coaching - Help to Get Ahead at Holiday Time!

I've always been fascinated by situations where art imitates real... Read More