Workplace Violence: Plans, Policies and Procedures

Why Should You Attend:

Workplace violence is more than just headlines - it hurts your people and your bottom line, with lost time, turnover, lawsuits and enforcement actions. For supervisors and managers the number one cause of death and serious injury is workplace violence. An average related lawsuit award is $3MM. The average settlement is $600K. Can you afford not to know the risks and remedies?

This webinar will discuss why workplace violence continues to emerge as an important issue in business and HR is often asked to take the lead in prevention and mitigation efforts. It will also discuss how violence in the workplace can originate from many sources, including opportunistic criminals, customers, vendors, current and former employees and domestic violence spilling over into the work place.

The prime focus of the session is to offer attendees an understanding of the scope and impact of workplace violence in business settings. It will also deliver best practices to build an effective workplace violence prevention program.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• The scope and impact of workplace violence in business settings
• The four types of workplace violence and their associated risk factors
• Workplace violence prevention program elements including:
• Management commitment and employee involvement
• Worksite analysis:
• Surveying the physical plant to identify hazards and deficiencies
• Recommend action to reduce the opportunity for and the likelihood of workplace violence
• Process for maintaining, reviewing and analyzing records of workplace violence incidents to prevent future occurrences
• Training and education:
• Training employees on how to respond to violence or potential violence
• Organization’s policies and the safety of visitors and employees according to the concept of Universal Precautions for Violence
• Early recognition of escalating behavior or warning signs
• Ways to prevent volatile situations and de-escalate individuals
• Protecting oneself and others in violent situations

Who Will Benefit:

• C Level Executives
• Manager
• Supervisors
• Risk Management
• Human Resources
• Employee Wellness Professionals

Instructor Profile:

Joseph Rosner is the director of Best Defense USA and a nationally recognized expert on workplace violence and personal safety for health care, real estate and other industries. He has been a speaker at numerous state and local conferences including: the National Emergency Management Summit, the National Association of Realtors, the American Healthcare Association and Heartland Healthcare Conference.

He is the author of Street Smarts & Self Defense for Children as well as books on workplace violence prevention and personal safety for real estate and healthcare occupations all of which can be found on Amazon. His other credentials include multiple black belts, law enforcement, and military experience.

Topic Background:

It is true; OSHA does not have a specific requirement mandating employers to protect their employees from on the job violence. It is also true that after a violent incident OSHA will levy fines and enforcement actions using the General Obligation Clause that states workers must be protected against foreseeable hazards.

OSHA and state regulators have begun to push for Universal Precautions for Violence. That is, that violence should be expected but can be avoided or mitigated through personal safety training. Frequent training also can reduce the likelihood of being assaulted.

Many organizations should, and generally do, employ a variety of safeguards and work diligently to maintain a safe place for employees, customers and visitors. Yet despite these efforts workplace violence can never be completely prevented and businesses remain at risk for violence.

Incidents involving gunfire are the most spectacular and therefore draw most media attention. However, as this type of event is extremely rare in almost all communities, businesses generally and management in particular may become complacent and adopt the belief that, “Since it hasn’t happened here, it can’t happen here.” This represents flawed logic, which is known as, “The Rule of Self-Exclusion.” In many cases this rule remains enforced until or unless a fortunate close call or an unfortunate tragedy demonstrates the need for plans, policies and procedure to be implemented to prevent workplace violence and mitigate harm it when it occurs.

Taking proactive steps to address workplace violence directly benefits employers by providing:

• Reduced exposure to liability and enforcement action in the event of an incident. Related lawsuits result in average settlements of $600,000 and average jury awards of $3 million.
• Compliance with government and industry standards.
• Maintaining job satisfaction and reducing employee turnover.
• Establishing a brand as an employer of choice.
• Providing some protection from increased Worker’s Comp and other insurance premiums.

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