What you need know about workplace violence

It may take the form of a threat, attempted violence or a violent outburst, but make no mistake: workplace violence can happen anywhere.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 409 people were fatally injured in work-related attacks, approximately 16 percent of the total 4,821 workplace deaths that year. 

As an employee, there are three things you need to know about workplace violence:

1. What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence is defined as any intentional act that threatens, attempts to or inflicts bodily harm on another person, or causes damage to property. Even if no harm actually occurs, a threat or attempt to cause harm is considered an act of workplace violence.

Such acts are considered “workplace” violence if committed by an employee, or by anyone else when it occurs in an organization’s workplace or a site location where an employee is engaged in the organization’s business.

2. How do you recognize and prevent workplace violence?

While most organizations work to create a supportive environment where violence and disrespectful behavior are not tolerated, violence can still happen.

By understanding and recognizing telling signs of potential violent behavior, employees can report worrisome situations before violence it occurs. Potentially violent behavior signs identified by the NSC include:

• Sudden and persistent complaining about being treated unfairly
• Blaming others for personal problems
• Sudden change in behavior, deterioration in job performance
• Statement that he or she would like something bad to happen to a particular individual
• Paranoid behavior
• Sudden increased absenteeism
• Sexual harassment, or obsessing about a coworker: sending unwanted gifts, notes unwanted calling, stalking
• Refusal to accept criticism about job performance
• Quiet seething, sullenness
• Sudden mood swings, depression
• Sudden refusal to comply with rules of refusal to perform duties
• Inability to control feelings, outbursts of rage, swearing, slamming doors, etc.

Never underestimate the potential for violence and take every threat seriously. Report all suspicious behaviors to a supervisor, manager or Human Resources representative.

3. How do you respond to a threat, an attempt at violence or an act of violence?

According to the NSC, if workplace violence does occur, you should stay calm and notify authorities as soon as possible. Avoid any aggressive response that may provoke the attacker, such as yelling or arguing. If you can do so safely and without aggravating the situation, evacuate the area.

If a crime was committed, secure the scene for law enforcement. Those affected should seek medical and crisis assistance, and possibly professional counseling.

For more information, visit the National Safety Council’s Safety and Health Magazine.

SDSTA employees can access the full SDSTA Workplace Violence Policy in Section 2 of the Employee Handbook in the Policy and Procedure Manual on DocUShare. Employees may also contact Eileen Brosnahan at ebrosnahan@sanfordlab.org with additional questions.

The Sanford Underground Research Facility and the Environment, Safety and Health Department promote health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.