What is workplace violence? Workpl ace vi olence is any act i n which a worker is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment by a person, other than a co-worker, and believes they are at risk of injury. It includes: • Threatening behaviour - such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects. • Verbal or written threats - any expression of an intent to inflict harm. • Harassment - any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humi l iates, annoys, al arms, verbally abuses a person, i nflicts psychological trauma, or is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. This includes words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities. • Verbal abuse - swearing, arguments, insults or condescending language. • Physical attacks - hitting, shoving, pushing, kicking, rape or murder. • Property damage - vandalism, sabotage, theft and arson. Workplace Violence Service Industry Facts: Risks in service industry • Providing service, care, advice or education (e.g. teachers). • Worki ng with unstable or vol ati le persons (e.g. social services, or criminal justice system employees). • Handl i ng money, val uables or prescri pti on drugs (e.g. cashiers, pharmacists). • Carrying out inspection or enforcement duties (e.g. government employees). • Worki ng i n premises where al cohol is served (e.g. f ood and beverage staff ). • Working alone, in small numbers (e.g. store clerks, real estate agents), or in is ol at ed or low t r affic areas (e.g. was hrooms , storage areas, utility rooms). • Wor ki ng i n c ommunit y-bas ed s etti ngs (e.g. s ocial wor k er s and ot her home visit or s ). • Having a mobile workplace (e.g. taxicab). per 10,000 workers 7.6 2015 Assaults and violent acts (2011 - 4.5/10,000) 0 / 69% more than 5 years ago Health Safety Compensation
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Quick facts:
What is workplace violence?Workplace violence is any act in which a worker is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment by a person, other than a co-worker, and believes they are at risk of injury. It includes:
• Threatening behaviour - such as shaking fi sts, destroying property or throwing objects.
• Verbal or written threats - any expression of an intent to infl ict harm.
• Harassment - any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms, verbally abuses a person, infl icts psychological trauma, or is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. This includes words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities.
• Verbal abuse - swearing, arguments, insults or condescending language.
• Physical attacks - hitting, shoving, pushing, kicking, rape or murder.
• Property damage - vandalism, sabotage, theft and arson.
Workplace ViolenceService Industry
Facts:
Risks in service industry
• Providing service, care, advice or education (e.g. teachers).
• Working with unstable or volatile persons (e.g. social services, or criminal justice system employees).
• Handling money, valuables or prescription drugs (e.g. cashiers, pharmacists).
• Carrying out inspection or enforcement duties (e.g. government employees).
• Working in premises where alcohol is served (e.g. food and beverage staff ).
• Working alone, in small numbers (e.g. store clerks, real estate agents), or in isolated or low traffic areas (e.g. washrooms, storage areas, utility rooms).
• Working in community-based settings (e.g. social workers and other home visitors).
• Having a mobile workplace (e.g. taxicab).
per 10,000 workers
7.62015
4
5
6
7
8
Assaults and violent acts(2011 - 4.5/10,000)0/ 69% more than 5 years ago
Health Safety Compensation
Top Five Occupations at RiskAssaults and Violent Acts (NL) 2009 - 2015
47%
15%
10%
8%
7%
13%
Assaults and Violent Acts in the Workplaceby Industry (NL) 2009 - 2015
Assaults and violent acts continue to be an area of concern in the workplace, with a 104.3% increase in the health care and social services industry.
22%
75%
1% 2%
Reduce the risk • State in clear terms your organization’s
view toward workplace violence and its commitment to workplace violence prevention.
• Conduct a risk assessment to identify workplace violence risk factors specifi c to the workplace.
• Develop a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (include provisions for working alone).
• Describe how information about potential risks of violence will be communicated to employees.
• Outline the procedures for investigating and resolving complaints.
• Provide clear examples of unacceptable behaviour and working conditions.
• Ensure employees are educated and adequately trained in workplace violence prevention.
• Outline specific procedures for dealing with abusive clients, and clients under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Evaluate and monitor controls to ensure legislative responsibilities have been metand controls remain effective.
Control the risk• Increase the sight-lines to the service area
so passerby’s can see into the workplace.
• Using coded cards or keys to control access to the building or certain areas within the building.
• Positioning offi ce furniture so that the employee is closer to a door or exit than the client and so that the employee cannot be cornered.
• Using adequate exterior lighting around the workplace and near entrances.
• Keeping cash register funds to a minimum or use electronic payment systems to reduce the amount of cash available.
• DO NOT enter any situation or location where you feel threatened or unsafe.
• Prepare a daily work plan, so that you and others know where and when you are expected somewhere.
• Identify a designated contact at the offi ce and a back-up.
• Keep your designated contact informed of your location and consistently adhere to the call-in schedule.
• Check the credentials of clients.
For additional information, please contact:Joanne Cuff , Health and Safety Advisore Joanne.Cuff @workplacenl.ca t 778.1214 t 1.800.563.9000 w workplacenl.ca
July 2016
Other
Correctional Service Offi cers
Security Guards
Police Offi cers
Social Workers & Community Service Workers
Teachers, Principals & Educational Counsellors
Health Care &Social Services
Wholesale & Retail Trade Other
Services
Health Safety Compensation
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