Dear Friends,
We are yet to think of it in India, but a few other countries have found it essential and are seriously pursuing it, especially the USA. OSHA conducts training on the prevention of workplace violence, which is now a part of safety curriculum.
It includes:
1. Violence by Strangers
2. Client/Customers
3. Coworkers
4. Personal Relationships
Every employer should establish, implement, and maintain a written WPV Prevention Program. This program should be made available to all employees, including managers and supervisors. All employees should receive specific training regarding its content and implementation. The program should reflect the level and nature of the threats faced by the employees/employers. A review and assessment of the vulnerability to the four (4) categories of violence outlined previously is necessary for workplaces facing potential violence.
When violence may be committed by strangers, workers can be victimized both within and outside the traditional workplace while acting within the course and scope of their employment. The use of specific training, staffing, protective equipment, effective physical security methods, and policies must be reviewed and assessed.
Two basic types of violence by clients/customers against workers are of concern. The first type involves individuals with a history of violent behavior, such as prison inmates and mental health service recipients. Prevention focuses on appropriate staffing, specialized training, and other control measures. The second type occurs when clients or customers may become situationally violent due to frustration with delays or denial of benefits or social services. Prevention in such cases focuses on problem anticipation, appropriate training, and effective control measures.
Coworker violence can occur on several levels: between supervisors and subordinates or between non-supervisory and supervisory workers at the same or different levels. A well-written violence prevention policy that treats all employees fairly, training in conflict and dispute resolution, and active involvement of trained Employee Assistance Program (EAP) personnel are appropriate in these circumstances.
Finally, the potential for violence resulting from personal relationships must be considered. Estranged domestic partners may target their victims at their workplaces. Employees who may be victims of domestic violence need to feel secure in alerting their employers to the potential for a workplace attack. Strict policies should be implemented to address the confidentiality of personal employee information, restrict workplace access to employee relatives or outside visitors, and allow flexibility in the use of leave, work schedules, or transfers for at-risk employees.
To be successful, workplace violence prevention efforts must have commitment from top management and involve supervisors, employees, and employee representatives. Commitment and involvement are essential in any safety and health program. Management provides the organizational resources and motivating forces necessary to effectively deal with safety and security hazards. Employees should be involved, both individually and collectively, through participation in worksite assessment, assisting in the development of clear effective procedures, and identifying existing and potential hazards. Employee knowledge and experience should be incorporated into any written plan to correct and prevent safety and security hazards.
Ref: OSHA
Regards,
Kesava Pillai