Case Study

CHAPTER 12 : CASE STUDY 1
‘RAMBO GOES VIOLENT’

1.What are some violence indicators an employee might display?
Workplace violence can happen in any work environment, and can come from both coworkers and nonworkers alike. Several common behavioral indicators are often present in employees who are experiencing high level of stress. People experiencing elevated stress, however, are more likely to display violent or destructive behavior than those who are not. Some behavioral signs of stress include any marked changes in a person’s behavior patterns, an increase in destructive behavior at the workplace, outbursts and emotional displays, cursing, blaming others and social isolation. Other than that is, Physical Signs. Some physical signs of stress are often expressed unconsciously, or without the person being able to suppress them. As such, these uncontrollable signs can be strong indicators of an –at risk person. For example, you might notice a person’s face turning red or pale, trembling or shaking, exaggerated gestures or loud talking, or facial expressions such as scowls or sneers, when talking. Lastly, we can see through verbal signs. People at risk in workplace violence often use specific language. For an example is communicating verbal threats, making inappropriate references to weapons, violence or guns or expressing desperations and thoughts of suicide can be precursors to violence or warning signs of the persons instability.

2. What are some actions management can take to help prevent workplace violence?
There are some steps or actions that management can take to prevent workplace violence. First steps is by assess the threat of violence in your workplace. Assign a group to evaluate to company’s ability to prevent and respond to workplace violence. Identify the controls in place and those that are missing, develop a plan for improving the controls, prevention and response and write a workplace violence policy. Second steps is by publish the workplace violence policies and inform workers that the company has the zero- tolerance for workplace violence committed by employees or against employees. Include the process required for reporting and investigating complaints. Insert the policy in employee handbooks and company policy and procedure manuals. Third steps is by providing workplace protections by addressing areas of risk. This may involve installing electronic surveillance equipment, installing mirrors, securing doors, implementing minimum staffing requirements or requiring workers to use specific safety measures when working with the public. The next steps is by implement prevention measures within the personnel department, including pre-employment screening to weed out potentially violent applicants, employee training, dispute resolution programs, employee assistance programs and inclusion of the issue in the new employee orientation process. Lastly is by keeping records of all workplace violence training, reports, incidents and responses. Some employer are required to report such incidents. The records are helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of current workplace violence plans and may be used to support disciplinary decisions. Last but not least, management should inform employees that they have a right to a safe workplace and that they have a responsibility to cooperate by following all rules and to participate by informing the appropriate office of any problems.

3. How can employees protect themselves against workplace violence?
Nothing can guarantee that an employee will not become a victim of workplace violence. However, this steps can helps reduce the odds. First, by learn how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs. Other than that, employees have to alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security, and report all incidents immediately in writing.Next is by avoid travelling alone into unfamiliar areas or situations whenever possible. Lastly is by only carry minimal money and required identification into community settings.