Human Resources managers play a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe workplace. They are responsible for ensuring that their organization complies with all government safety guidelines and identifying potential hazards. HR managers should also strive to provide employees with the necessary training regarding safety policies. They should ensure open communication between company executives and staff to inform everyone about the latest safety standards.
Employers must take steps to ensure their workplace is safe and free from violence. Although no work environment can be entirely risk-free, implement measures that can minimize the chance of violent incidents occurring. Proper training and strategies to identify warning signs can help create a protected environment for employees.
Complete Background Checks on All New Hires
Creating a safe work environment begins with the hiring process. Conducting detailed background checks on potential employees can help assess if they have any violent history. If anything suspicious arises during these searches, it is best to get an explanation from the candidate and ensure that their report matches. Retracting job offers may also be necessary in cases of individuals with recent violent criminal convictions to prevent similar behavior in the workplace.
Develop a Zero-Tolerance Violence Policy.
Employers should implement zero-tolerance policies when it comes to any kind of violent behavior. Clearly explain the terms of these policies to all employees. Also, take all necessary measures to ensure that violence is swiftly handled and de-escalated if needed. Establish proper reporting protocols in order to address potential conflicts quickly and efficiently.
Educate Staff and Monitor Behavior for Warning Signs.
Inform your staff of the potential dangers of workplace violence and identify warning signs to look out for. Encouraging them to speak up if they sense that a situation may escalate is another essential step. Additionally, teach them methods to help de-escalate conflicts between coworkers or customers. Taking proactive measures like these can help make sure everyone stays safe in the workplace.
Implement Effective Reporting Procedures.
Developing an effective reporting system for employees who feel unsafe or threatened is important to ensure a safe workplace. Encourage your staff to speak up confidently and report any concerning behavior that they observe. Ensure to clearly identify the incident, location, and people involved in the altercation. Create a reporting form that provides detailed information about the incident and ensures confidentiality for anyone who files a complaint.
Foster an Empathetic Work Environment and Encourage Open Dialogue.
Establishing a safe workplace begins with an open and supportive environment. You can achieve this through regular exchanges of dialogue between co-workers, creating a sense of understanding among employees. Additionally, show greater empathy towards those sharing issues about their personal safety or the safety of their colleagues. To support this, ensure that trusted mental health resources such as confidential counseling hotlines are readily accessible for employees to seek help when facing difficult situations in life.
Promote Acceptance of Individual Differences.
Establishing a culture that values differences among team members will reduce the likelihood of conflicts resulting in job dissatisfaction or depression, as well as violence such as verbal abuse. Encourage employees to get to know each other through activities and recognize the advantage their individual perspectives can bring to the team’s collective strengths.
Provide Appropriate Conflict Management Training for Managers and Supervisors.
Proper training is essential in helping to create a safe and peaceful workplace. Managers and supervisors should be trained in conflict management techniques that enable them to use verbal and nonverbal communication skills to resolve disputes effectively. These skills help ensure that all employees, from the front-line workers to the supervisors, are equipped with the tools to quickly and amicably handle any conflicts that arise in the workplace.
Manage visitors and provide security monitoring.
Maintaining a safe workplace is key to protecting employees and customers from potential violence. This can be done through rigorous monitoring of visitors, improved security staff presence, implementation of visitor check-in desks, installation of video surveillance equipment, and offering after-hours escorts for workers in parking lots. These measures provide extra layers of security that deter potential violent incidents. These also protect those who work alone or provide services involving money and alcohol.
Identify Organizational Risk Factors that Could Lead to Violence.
When assessing the risks for workplace violence, look for potential organizational factors that could add stress to employees’ situations and lead them to lash out. These risk factors can include working while understaffed, inadequate security, perception of tolerated violence or unreported incidents of victims, and more. By identifying these risk factors in your workplace, you can create a safer environment for all employees.
After an incident or near miss, perform a thorough analysis.
After experiencing an incident or near miss, it is important to analyze the situation thoroughly. You may ask:
- Who was affected?
- What warning signs were observed?
- Were procedures followed correctly?
- Were team members adequately trained?
Collecting feedback from these questions can assist businesses in making adjustments to existing plans to ensure staff safety and security better.