From the desk of St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz
Workplace violence has continued to rise.
The sheriff’s office has policies in place to combat the everyday stress that our employees might have working with others. All businesses should look into creating a policy and procedure to help prevent violence in the workplace.
What is workplace violence?
Most people think of violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence is a much broader problem. It is any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment. Workplace violence includes:
— Threatening behavior such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects.
— Verbal or written threats. Any expression of intent to inflict harm.
— Harassment. Any behavior that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. This includes words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities.
— Verbal abuse. Swearing, insults or condescending language.
— Physical attacks. Hitting, shoving, pushing or kicking.
Rumors, swearing, verbal abuse, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson and murder are all examples of workplace violence.
Workplace violence is not limited to incidents that occur within a traditional workplace. Work-related violence can occur at off-site business-related functions (conferences, trade shows), at social events related to work, in clients’ homes or away from work but resulting from work (a threatening telephone call to your home from a client).
What work-related factors increase the risk of violence?
Certain work factors, processes, and interactions can put people at increased risk from workplace violence. Examples include:
— Working with the public.
— Handling money, valuables or prescription drugs (e.g. cashiers, pharmacists).
— Carrying out inspection or enforcement duties (e.g. government employees).
— Providing service, care, advice or education (e.g. health care staff, teachers).
— Working with unstable or volatile persons (e.g. social services, or criminal justice system employees).
— Working in premises where alcohol is served (e.g. food and beverage staff).
— Working alone, in small numbers (e.g. store clerks, real estate agents), or in isolated or low traffic areas (e.g. washrooms, storage areas, utility rooms).
— Working in community-based settings (e.g. nurses, social workers and other home visitors).
— Having a mobile workplace (e.g. taxicab).
— Working during periods of intense organizational change (e.g. strikes, downsizing).
Risk of violence may be greater at certain times of the day, night or year; for example,
— late hours of the night or early hours of the morning;
— tax return season;
— overdue utility bill cut-off dates;
— during the holidays;
— pay days;
— report cards or parent interviews; and
— performance appraisals.
Risk of violence may increase depending on the geographic location of the workplace; for example,
— near buildings or businesses that are at risk of violent crime (e.g. bars, banks); and
— in areas isolated from other buildings or structures.
The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com