Work Related Violence

I.  Overview

 Real Life Examples of Workplace Violence--It Can Happen to You

• Employees assault one another in the workplace.
• Terminated employee sends a bomb through the mail to a former superior.
• Domestic troubles come to work and endanger others.

 General Considerations

Workplace violence most often involves aggressive behavior toward a fellow colleague, subordinate or supervisor.  This can range from verbal abuse to physical violence.  Aggression may occur as a response to many situations.  Common examples are when an individual faces the loss of his/her job, is passed over for promotion, or perceives favoritism toward others in the work environment.

Violence often arises from feelings of anger, frustration, or hurt.  Some violent acts are accompanied by suicidal behavior.  Alcohol use can trigger an already volatile situation or make it worse.  It is associated with a loss of impulse control and the ability to think about the consequences of their behavior.  Leaders should be aware that many of the risk factors and warning signs for violence are also common to suicidal behaviors.

 Possible Indicators of Impending Violence