December 14, 2011

Workplace violence—ranging from violence between co-workers to domestic violence to attacks by customers or patients--consistently ranks among the top-three causes of worker deaths in the United States. Here are some activities that put your employees at a higher risk of violence and steps you can take to protect them.

If your workplace has the potential for workplace violence, you need a plan to protect employees—and that's not the only safety plan your workplace needs. Our EHS Redi-2-Use Library: OSHA Required Safety Plans can help you satisfy your compliance obligations. » Learn more

1. Your employees exchange money with the public: The primary risk when workers are handling money is robbery. All employees who handle money should receive instruction on what to do to stay safe if someone tries to steal money from your establishment.
   
   You should also implement policies on handling cash (for example, not keeping a large amount of cash in the register) and determine how best to keep employees safe at the end of the day when counting cash or taking deposits to the bank. You can further help deter thieves by installing surveillance cameras and alarms, arranging regular police checks, and providing limited access to the premises during high-risk hours.
2. You have employees who work alone: Solo workers are often a target simply because no one else is around. These workers should receive instruction on how to recognize and avoid situations that may turn violent and what to do, for example, to calm angry customers. They should also know when to walk away from a situation rather than continue the contact and risking escalation. And solo workers should always have a means of communication to summon help.
3. You regularly provide services to high-risk populations: Certain populations, like those who are alcohol- and drug-addicted or have significant mental health issues, can pose a threat to your employees. If you provide incidental services to these types of customers, train employees on how to defuse an angry situation and provide clear guidelines (and permission) on when police should be summoned
   
   Some communities have mental health services that may be available; however, if those services are not responsive, your employees should know to call the police before the situation has escalated to the point of violence. While you want to be compassionate, you also have a duty to protect your employees from harm.
   
   If you provide more-in-depth services for high-risk populations, training and ensuring proper staff levels are the best ways to avoid employee injuries. Another strategy is to establish, and enforce, a "no tolerance" policy regarding violent or threatening behavior by clients; clients who violate the policy should be dealt with immediately.

Workplace Violence, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communications… …Fire Prevention—these are just a few of the safety plans you may be required to have in your workplace. Trying to determine which plans you need and what needs to go in them can be time-consuming. We've assembled the exact safety plan materials you need in instantly available, highly affordable PDF packages called Redi-2-Use Libraries. EHS Redi-2-Use Library: OSHA Required Safety Plans includes the following plans (and more!): Bloodborne Pathogens Confined Spaces Electrical Safety Emergency Action Fire Prevention Hazard Communication HAZWOPER Lockout/Tagout/Hazardous Energy Control Hearing Conservation/Noise Process Safety Management Respiratory Protection Get Your Copy Today!