Situations at work that can turn violent can be hard to predict, but research has been done to show that some of us may be more affected by it than others. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has highlighted those kinds of jobs where we may be under a greater threat of violence, so are employers doing as much as they can to prevent this?
Who’s at risk?
Those of us who may work on our own, at night or in areas that are poorly lit, and have high crime levels tend to be more at risk from these situations than those who don’t. Jobs where these factors are more common include health care professions, policing and delivery drivers. But, legal experts say that our employers can help protect us in our jobs by putting corporate policies in place.
Prevention
Law experts say bosses should make sure we’re not put at risk of workplace violence in the first place. This can be done by assessing job sites to make them as safe as possible. Where necessary, employers are encouraged to install security devices to keep out potentially violent trespassers. Providing transport can help us arrive safely at work/home and using identity badges can make sites more secure. Staff training may also help us to spot potential violent situations before they occur and diffuse them or evacuate our workplaces if this is safer.
Investigation
Employers also have a duty to investigate claims of violence against us, by either members of the public or other people who work for the same organisation we do. As staff, we should be made aware of these policies and how we can report situations where we have felt threatened. Employers should have details of support organisations available and offer them to us when our wellness is affected. If the person who was violent is a fellow employee their conduct should be fully investigated and severing their contract ought to be considered. These guidelines show that employers have a duty to provide safe working environments for all of us, and when violence does occur then investigations and support for our wellbeing should follow.
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