From “Workplace Violence: Prevention and Response”
CSO Online (03/08/17) Wackrow, Jonathan. Reprinted by ASIS.
Almost 2 million Americans are the victims of workplace violence every year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that corporations spend over $36 billion each year on remediating the after effects of such incidents. Studies have shown that training and implemented policies to prevent threats and violence significantly decrease the incident rate. The best risk management strategy includes a combination of sound protocols, access to expert professional resources, and quality insurance coverage. The most effective prevention methods identify and address potential problems early. Workplace violence generally breaks down into four broad categories: violence by unknown individual with criminal intent, violence by known customer, violence by employee, and violence by associated party. Organizations should also implement a hiring process that emphasizes pre-employment screening and background checks. Understanding the risk factors can also prove extremely beneficial. In the event of an incident, crisis response plans are most effective when tailored to the needs and resources of a particular employer and workforce.
Gregory M. Schmidt, CPP, PSP, CHPA 