Using Technology to Address Workplace Violence

Using Technology to Address Workplace Violence

 

Violent acts resulted in 14% of all workplace fatalities in the United States (U.S.) in 2023, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with 8.7 percent of those being homicides. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that more than one (1) in five (5) suffer from some form of violence at work, whether that is physical, psychological, or sexual. As a prevalent safety issue, safety professionals must address workplace violence.

 

Any products listed below are provided as examples. BCSP does not endorse any specific products.

 

Policy
A zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence is recommended in OSHA’s material on the subject. This policy should be clearly communicated and strictly enforced to deter potential incidents. The policy should be included in the employee handbook or other onboarding material to ensure all employees are aware of the guidelines and procedures in place.

 

Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring stressful situations within the workplace can help identify potential threats before they escalate into violence. Supervisors and human resources (HR) personnel should remain vigilant in recognizing signs of tension, conflict, or distress among employees.

Employees should be encouraged to report violent acts or threats. Many employees do not report these incidents due to fear of retaliation or lack of confidence in the system, making anonymous reporting mechanisms important. As an example, the STOPit Anonymous Reporting System both documents incident reports and provides support to the individual submitting the report. A confidential, helpful reporting system encourages employees to act, allowing organizations to address concerns proactively.

 

Provide Support
Providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include counseling and support services assists employees dealing with stress, mental health challenges, or personal conflicts. As mentioned in A Safety Professional’s Guide to Building a Wellness Program, health insurance benefits may offer such programs as a component of their plans.

By taking the lead in promoting the well-being of their employees, as described in How to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace, employers can mitigate stressors and reduce triggers for emotional difficulties, reducing the likelihood of violent outbursts. Ensuring that employees have access to professional guidance creates a culture of well-being and support within the organization.

 

Workplace Security
Controlling access to the workplace through Visitor Management Systems like Brivo, Envoy, or HID Global enhances security by ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter designated worksites. Restricting entry to specific employees, visitors, and contractors reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals who may pose a threat. Many of these programs also allow quick response should an individual’s access privileges need to be revoked, and keep a live log of who is on site should that information be needed in any emergency situation.

Additionally, the use of security cameras can help identify potential risks and provide real-time alerts to security personnel, further strengthening workplace safety measures. New or updated security camera systems may offer advanced threat detection, like Motorola’s Avigilon system, which claims artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that can identify suspicious activity or recognize a specific individual’s appearance and quickly track their movement across a worksite.

 

Emergency Response
It is important that employees understand how to de-escalate conflicts, have a method of quickly alerting security or emergency personnel in response to violence, and that an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) be in place so leadership and other team members can respond quickly to emergency situations.

Training programs should be provided to employees and managers to equip them with the necessary skills to recognize warning signs and de-escalate conflicts. Training in de-escalation techniques can prevent workplace violence from causing greater harm.

Having reliable Emergency Notification Systems, like panic buttons or phone apps, ensures that employees can quickly alert security or emergency personnel. These tools provide immediate response capabilities, helping to quickly alert authorities and other responsible parties with the information they need in emergent situations.

To promote quick response to workplace violence, EAPs should include what to do in potential scenarios and outline clear actions for handling those situations. These plans should be documented in organization policies and procedures, shared with employees, and posted for public reference. How preparation is transformed into action is further explained in the article How to Make Decisions in Emergencies. Regular training and drills based on the EAP enhance employees’ ability to respond effectively during these emergencies, minimizing potential harm.

 

By establishing a clear, zero-tolerance policy, responding to workplace conditions with appropriate measures and support, and having a clear plan for response, organizations can reduce the risk of workplace violence and provide their team a safer, better work environment.

Tags: Total Worker Safety Workplace Safety Workplace Violence Workplace Security AI Emergency Response De-escalation techniques Visitor Management Systems

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