The Most Prevalent Types of Workplace Violence The incidents of workplace violence that occur are much more common in certain industries and in specific occupations. In fact, the most common motive for job-related homicides is robbery, accounting for 85 percent of workplace violence deaths.

The Consequences of Workplace Violence Occupational violence has been associated with reduced productivity, increased turnover, absenteeism, counselling costs, decreased staff morale, and reduced quality of life. Another consequence of the abuse is deteriorating quality of patient care.

Staff shortages, increased patient morbidities, exposure to violent individuals, and the absence of strong workplace violence prevention programs and protective regulations are all barriers to eliminating violence against healthcare workers.

Among those with higher-risk are workers who exchange money with the public, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, and those who work alone or in small groups.

Risk Factors

• Working with the public or volatile, unstable people.
• Conflicts with coworkers.
• Domestic or personal life issues that spill over into the workplace.
• Disgruntled former or current employees.
• Working alone or in isolated areas.
• Handling or guarding money and valuables or providing services or care.

OSHA’s five major elements of an effective workplace violence prevention program are:

• Management commitment and employee involvement;
• Worksite analysis;
• Hazard prevention and control;
• Safety and health training;
• Recordkeeping and program evaluation.

The main components in a violence prevention program are (1) a written plan, (2) worksite analysis, (3) hazard prevention and control, (4) safety and health training, and (5) recordkeeping and evaluation of program (Box 24-1 and Figure 24-1).

Every covered employer is required to develop a workplace violence prevention plan. The plan must include procedures to identify and evaluate risk factors for workplace violence, correct hazards, prepare for workplace violence emergencies, and respond to and investigate violent incidents.

When a person becomes disruptive, which of the following is the best response? Give clear instructions and set clear limits for behavior. When a person becomes disruptive, it is important to continue to show concern for his or her problem. At the same time, it is important to set clear limits for behavior.

Dealing with an aggressive patient takes care, judgement and self-control.

1. Remain calm, listen to what they are saying, ask open-ended questions.
2. Reassure them and acknowledge their grievances.
3. Provide them with an opportunity to explain what has angered them.
4. Maintain eye contact, but not prolonged.

The answer is a Verbal threat.

4. The most common acts of violence against nurses were shouting/yelling (60.0 percent by patients and 35.8 percent by visitors), swearing (53.5 percent by patients and 24.9 percent by visitors), and grabbing (37.8 percent by patients and 1.1 percent by visitors), according to the study.

Indicators of Potential Violence

• Depression/withdrawal.
• Repeated violations of company policies.
• Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation.
• Behavior that may suggest paranoia (e.g., “everybody is against me”).
• Escalation of domestic problems into the workplace.
• Talk of severe financial problems.
• Talk of previous incidents of violence.

Potential or actual violent situations among employees usually escalate if not defused. Violence and the warning signs that typically occur can usually be identified at three levels….Level One (Early Warning Signs)

• intimidating/bullying;
• discourteous/disrespectful;
• uncooperative; and/or.
• verbally abusive.

Certain occupational groups tend to be more at risk from workplace violence. These occupations include: health care employees or those who dispense pharmaceuticals. veterinary practices.

Potentially violent behaviors by an employee may include one or more of the following: Unexplained increase in absenteeism; vague physical complaints. Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene. Depression and/or withdrawal.

Abrupt changes in behavior, inability to concentrate on the job, decreases in productivity, obsessions, deteriorating personal hygiene, poor attendance, suicidal behavior, veiled threats, inappropriate comments, sabotage.

Which of the following statements might be a visible sign of someone who may be a candidate of violent behavior? Irritable behavior.

Threatening behavior is intentional behavior which would cause a person of ordinary sensibilities fear of injury or harm. It can include acts of aggression such as yelling at a colleague, pounding on desks, slamming doors,blocking or cornering, and sending threatening voice-mails, e-mails, or other written threats.

Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986, or ‘Threatening Behaviour’ as it is often referred to, contains two primary elements. To be convicted of this offence, the guilty party must intend to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person.