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Preventing Workplace Violence in Washington

February 28th, 2008 Posted by Amelia

OSHA warns employers to take steps to prevent violence in the workplace.

In a frightening incident this month, an armed man terrorized employees at a Kmart store in Whatcom County, Washington. The man stole a gun from the retailer, then ran through the store screaming and knocking over employees on February 14. The man is described as a white male in his mid-twenties.

The man held a knife to the store manager’s throat before smashing a display case to steal a gun an ammo.

Outside the store, the man confronted a police officer, but stopped short of aiming the gun at anyone. The man threatened to kill himself if apprehended.

While there is no conclusive evidence yet, it appears that the man may have been under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both.

People who witnessed the incident are asked to contact the Bellingham Police Department. Police are concerned that an accomplice in the incident may still be at large.

When employers think of the potential for violence in the workplace, they usually focus on late-night robberies of convenience stores, not mid-morning robberies of suburban discount stores.

But, as this incident proves, every employer needs to be prepared for violence in the workplace.

Workplace violence in Washington and across the U.S. is one of OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) primary concerns. Unfortunately, homicides are a large component of violence on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2006, 94 murders occurred in the workplace. The number has decreased from over 200 homicides in the early 1990s, but murder is still a major factor.

Over 2 million Americans are victims of violence in the workplace every year. OSHA suggests several ways to help prevent this violence, which OSHA defines as threats, verbal abuse, assaults, physical abuse and homicide. These recommendations include installing security systems, extra lights and video surveillance cameras.

In addition to installing safety equipment, companies should install an antiviolence program into the safety plan. Employers should also provide training for workers on how to understand the program and how to react in violent situations. Putting the program details in writing in the employee handbook is a good way to ensure all workers receive the information.

Employers should also be aware that certain occupations are at higher risk for workplace violence. All workers who deal with the public, especially regarding money, and in high crime areas, and alone late at night, are at increased risk. Healthcare workers and other employees who provide social services also experience a higher risk of violence on the job. Statistics show that nurses are assaulted on the job as often as police officers. Most of the attacks occur in hospitals, but can also happen on home visits.

People who work away from an office can be faced with workplace violence, too. To help ensure their safety, these employees, such as outside salespeople, cable TV installers and utility workers, should be required to file a daily schedule with their employer, and to check in with home base on a regular basis.

When violent incidents do occur, employees should report it immediately. Companies should also investigate and remedy the problem immediately.

Streaming videos and downloads on preventing workplace violence are available from the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).

Already this year there have been several incidents of violence in the workplace. In February a gunman killed one employee and four customers at a Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Illinois. Another employee was in critical condition, but able to assist the police in the investigation. The gunman herded all the women into the back room of the store and bound them with rope and duct tape. He proceeded to rob the store. When the store manager surreptitiously dialed 911, the gunman overheard the conversation and opened fire on the defenseless women.