Workplace Violence
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a serious issue. If there is violent behavior taking place upon company property not only does it pose a threat to employees but also raises issues of liability with the business itself. The best measure to take in the unfortunate scenario that an employee is causing a hostile work environment is the removal of that employee either permanently or for an extended period of time. There is no justification for causing other staff members to feel unsafe at work. Review the build up to the occurrence of violent behavior to determine the source of conflict and address it appropriately. In some cases there are multiple responsible parties which have instigated the frustration of their coworkers.
Review legislation as it pertains to business owners liability in relation to the actions of their employees while on company property. Violent behavior may result in damages and injury which the business may be held accountable for. Assess preventative measures to spot hostility in the work place before it develops into violence. If you are seeking further information regarding this matter try clicking on the links to the left. You will find several available reference materials as well as further information to help you navigate the issue of workplace violence.
Crime Prevention
Plan ahead for your protectionBy Karen Kingsley, Boss Kingsley Ink Crimes against small businesses tend to include employee theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting and vandalism. These are crimes of opportunity, and the best way to prevent them is to perform a security audit immediately. Crime prevention involves three basic steps:
- Review your physical layout.
- Evaluate your hiring practices.
- Install and test security systems.
Check your building
Walk around the property and look for vulnerable areas. Consider fencing and make sure there's adequate lighting, especially in the parking lots. Install good locks, especially deadbolts. Also, put IDs on your expensive equipment.
Try: ADT, American Alarm and Brinks are all good sources for security systems.
Screen employees
Do background checks on employees. This involves checking references, drug testing, checking driving records and, if they work with money, doing credit checks.
Try: Intelius, National Background Screening and ADP perform pre-employment screening checks.
Train employees
Employee training is your first defense against theft, particularly if you operate a retail business. Teach employees what to look for and how to respond to risky situations.
Try: Belding Skills Development and Friedman Group provide retail training services.
Watch your money
Don't leave more cash than absolutely necessary exposed. Buy a fireproof and anchored safe, and use a locked cash box. Make bank deposits at different times each day. Keep your register in sight of the door if you operate a retail store so police and security patrols can see it.
Try: Sentry Group and Advance Safes are solid providers of safes for your business.
Find more crime prevention tips
Many local police departments have developed lists of crime prevention tips for small business.
Try: The Philadelphia Police Department offers a helpful and detailed set of crime prevention ideas for small business at its Web site. The city of North Miami Beach also has a good list of prevention tips.
- Consider forming a local business watch group. Work with others to promote your mutual safety.
- Ask your local police to audit your space and make suggestions for making it more secure.
- A supportive work environment that fosters trust is proven to diminish employee theft.
- Don't be a hero, and instruct your staff to do the same. The possible consequences are not worth the money.
- Put your local police and security firms on speed dial of every phone in your business.
Research Based Learning Program Support people not just behavior
Have You Thought of Everything? Plan.Prevent.Respond.1-800-446-1515
Workplace, women, stalking, and general police security training
Workplace Violence Prevention Risk Assessment and Training
HR training materials to teach workshops on workplace violence.
