Busy and stressful workplaces are often at risk of violent incidents, whether it’s due to staff altercations, dangerous customers, or criminal behaviour. While certain industries may be more susceptible to workplace violence, all organisations must have strategies in place to prevent incidents and effectively manage those that do occur. Here are some key considerations for mitigating violence in your workplace:
Risk Assessment
The very first issue that needs to be considered is the extent of previous violent events. Have they been occurring regularly? Why are they occurring? Where do the threats originate – are they internal or external? Were previous incidents resolved effectively?
Carefully analysing previous incidents, gives you the basis needed to understand your workplace and how you may go about preventing and dealing with violence in future. Knowing the who, why, where, and when allows you to tackle the issue head-on with preventative measures.
Clear Communication Channels
Violent incidents often occur as an alternative to proper communication. If there are no clear lines of communication for staff or customers to talk their problems through with your business, they may take action into their own hands.
By establishing a clear line of communication that everyone is aware of, you will help to remove the circumstances that often lead to a violent event and will in turn reduce the likelihood of one occurring. Whether it’s staff who might want to discuss a problem at work, or a customer who might want to raise an issue, there needs to be a simple and direct way for them to do so.
Creating A Sitewide System & Procedure For Violent Incidents
Almost all organisations and businesses with a physical location are at risk of violence at some point. Even with preventative measures in place, people can be entirely unpredictable, so you can never eliminate the risk. It’s essential to create an effective procedure so that they can be dealt with quickly and safely. A well-designed procedure can help diffuse situations and minimize harm to individuals and the organisation’s reputation.
Staff Training
In any violent incident, staff will likely be involved in some capacity, whether it’s intervening in a conflict or being a victim. It’s essential to train all staff on how to manage such situations effectively. Regular training sessions, especially for new hires, should cover how to recognise potential violence, what to do if an incident occurs, and how to de-escalate conflicts safely.
Security Measures
Security measures should be in place at every physical business location, and they can help to both prevent and deal with violence after the fact. Depending on the industry in which your business operates, different security measures could be more effective:
- Security guards are great for shops and large office buildings as they can intervene safely and prevent access to unauthorised visitors.
- CCTV cameras act as both a visual deterrent and provide evidence of incidents.
- Alarm systems are ideal for organisations like hospitals and care facilities where patients may be violent towards staff. Emergency key fobs can allow staff to alert others of a violent situation and receive rapid support.
By addressing these key areas, organisations can create safer workplaces and minimise the risk of violence for employees and customers alike.
