In a quiet suburb outside of Atlanta, on a balmy August day in 2014 that seemed exactly like any other, a telecommunication worker paused on a residential street. This worker saw a person approaching his company vehicle, which was still in drive. He kept his foot on the brake and rolled down his window, ready to interact with a customer.
“I saw a guy approach my vehicle on my left. I didn’t think anything of it,” the worker said. “I should have, but customers do that all the time.” Unfortunately, this wasn’t a customer. The man who approached his vehicle snatched the door open. “If you don’t get out right now, my man is going to shoot you,” he said, pointing to a gunman who had approached the vehicle from the other side. The telecom worker leapt out of the vehicle, tearing a tendon in his knee badly enough that it would require surgery and several months of rehabilitation. But the worker wasn’t thinking about surgery at that moment. He was relieved that he hadn’t gotten shot. “The guy … looked like he was really about to pull the trigger,” he said. “And my heart jumped, and I just completely jumped out of the vehicle and landed the wrong way. I looked at my knee and it looked really deformed.”
The carjackers took the company vehicle on a high-speed police chase down the interstate, which eventually ended when authorities boxed in the vehicle and arrested the duo. The worker, meanwhile, says he’s grateful to be alive. “He was going to kill me,” the worker said.
**** Unfortunately, incidents like the one described above are far too commonplace. A few years ago, a delivery carrier in Charlotte, North Carolina was attacked in the parking lot by two random assailants. As the employee was walking to her vehicle, two men attacked her with a crowbar, stole her purse and her car, and drove away. The worker was hospitalized with serious injuries. One man was arrested and faced several charges, including robbery with a dangerous weapon. ****
More than 2 million Americans are victims of workplace violence, which can take place either on-the-job or while workers are commuting to and from work. Those who work alone for any portion of their shift are particularly vulnerable. More than 40 million workers in the U.S. are classified as lone workers.
Violence at work poses a multitude of negative consequences for the entire workforce. In addition to its obvious detriment to the victim, workplace violence results:
- in decreased employee morale,
- a damaged company reputation,
- problems with recruitment and retention,
- increased anxiety and poor performance,
- higher absenteeism,
- higher insurance costs and
- decreased productivity.
How can companies help protect workers from violence and other incidents? Here are a few tips:
Focus on both prevention and response
Preventing workplace violence starts with identifying risks and implementing controls. However, prevention alone isn’t enough. A solid response-management program ensures that when incidents do occur, they are handled quickly and effectively, minimizing harm.
Response planning should include clear communication channels, designated roles for handling emergencies, and training employees to act decisively during a crisis. This dual approach not only helps deter potential threats but also reassures employees that the organization is prepared to support them if an incident arises.
Use technology
Modern safety technology plays a significant role both preventing and responding to workplace violence. Wearables, like discreet panic buttons, enable real-time detection and notification during emergencies. These devices allow workers to call for help instantly without drawing attention to themselves, which is crucial in high-stress situations.
Additionally, integrated safety platforms can provide real-time location tracking, automated alerts, and direct communication with response teams. These solutions allow companies to reduce response times and improve the effectiveness of their safety measures.
Establish and review procedures
Having well-defined safety procedures is critical to handling workplace violence effectively. Start by developing comprehensive written protocols tailored to your organization’s specific risks and operational environments. These should cover:
- Steps to prevent incidents, such as security measures and employee training.
- Clear reporting processes for threats or concerns.
- Emergency response actions for employees and management during a crisis.
Regularly review and update these procedures to address new risks, reflect changes in the workplace, and incorporate lessons learned from past incidents. Conduct training sessions and practice drills so employees understand their roles and feel confident responding to potential threats. A strong, regularly updated plan not only saves lives but also builds trust and confidence among your workforce.
Legislation around workplace violence
Workplace violence continues to be a critical issue, prompting new laws aimed at protecting workers. Recent legislation, such as California SB 553 and the New York Retail Act, emphasizes the need for proactive measures like risk assessments, prevention protocols, and employee training. These laws highlight the importance of employer accountability and provide a framework for creating safer work environments
Organizations can protect employees and ensure compliance by staying informed about evolving legal requirements and updating safety strategies.
Taking action against workplace violence
Workplace violence is not only a personal tragedy but also a significant organizational challenge. It affects morale, productivity, and reputation. Protecting employees requires a dual focus on prevention and response, leveraging technology like wearables, and ensuring robust crisis management procedures.
With new legislations, employers have a clearer roadmap to improve safety standards and foster a culture of security. By committing to these practices, organizations can create safer workplaces where employees feel supported and protected.