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Human Resources Intervention Prevents Workplace Violence

After we hear about sensational cases of workplace violence, we frequently see co-workers and neighbors interviewed on TV, steadfastly testifying to the camera, “He just snapped. I never saw it coming”. More likely, the incident occurred after a long and obvious series of escalation points. We call them pre-incident indicators and almost always precede an incident of workplace violence.

Violence obviously can occur in a single unpredictable incident. However, in the vast majority of cases, violence follows a continuum of behavior: Discourteous behavior can evolve into disrespectful or intimidating behavior, followed by harassment, bullying, retaliation, then verbal assault or physical aggression.

Ensuring a safe workplace

Ensuring a safe workplace for all employees requires you take action and intervene early, at the first sign of a pre-incident indicator.

• At the point of discourtesy, supervisory personnel should address the behavior with the employee and explain the values and expectations of the corporation, clearly describing appropriate behavior.
• That communication must be clearly documented and retained in order to create a record for further disciplinary action should the behavior persist.
• If the employee progresses to disrespectful behavior, a higher level of intervention is appropriate.
• In accordance with your corporate practices, either higher management personnel or human resources should intervene.  Again, the communication with the employee must explain the values and expectations of the corporation and clearly describe appropriate behavior. It is imperative that these counseling sessions be documented and retained.
• Should the employee’s behavior escalate beyond disrespectfulness to intimidating behavior it is clearly time to involve your security resources.
• Under no circumstances should behavior be allowed to escalate further. Harassment is illegal and must be dealt with.  Failure to do so exposes your employees to risk and your company to legal liability.

Understanding the continuum of violence—and intervening early on—is your best opportunity to prevent the behavior from escalating toward violence. If your intervention is unsuccessful, you will have built a solid case for termination based on well-documented, improper behavior long before the behavior can evolve into violence.

Warm regards,

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.