As a business owner or manager, you are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for your employees, which may include taking steps to prevent workplace violence. According to OSHA, intentional injury by another person is the third largest cause of occupational fatalities in the U.S. And unfortunately, no business or industry is immune. You and your employees may be targeted by a stranger, a customer, or a disgruntled employee at any time.
You may not be able to predict when violence will occur, but you can equip your employees with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves in dangerous situations. At Pikes Peak Security, we help Denver and Colorado Springs businesses improve safety with employee training programs, threat assessments, and on-site security. So keep reading to learn about the benefits of workplace violence training and reach out to our team for help implementing a violence prevention program.
What is a Workplace Violence Prevention Program?
A workplace violence prevention program is an organized effort to help employers and employees recognize, reduce, or eliminate the potential for violent acts on business premises. A good prevention program should include:
- An assessment of internal and external threats to the business or organization.
- A risk management plan with physical security measures, like bulletproof glass, and company procedures for high-risk situations, like employee terminations.
- Employee training workshops on warning signs of violence, practical strategies for de-escalation, and steps to take if an attack occurs.
Types of Workplace Violence Training
Workplace violence training can be tailored to your business’s unique needs and security challenges.
For example, de-escalation training can help workers in the retail and hospitality industries protect themselves from difficult customers, whereas harassment training may be more relevant in a corporate environment.
Here are a few common trainings and workshops to consider:
Active shooter/hostile intruder training – During this type of training, employees learn how to recognize potential threats and respond in an emergency with strategies for escape and survival.
De-escalation training – De-escalation strategies involve communication and problem-solving techniques to help employees resolve a tense or hostile situation while minimizing the potential for violence.
Domestic violence/stalking awareness – Domestic violence can erupt in any workplace, regardless of type or size, so it’s essential for employees to know how to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
Harassment training – Harassment can contribute to a hostile work environment, so employees need to know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
Benefits of Offering Workplace Violence Training
Investing in workplace violence prevention training can help protect your business and employees from potential threats while providing numerous other benefits.
Here are five of the top advantages:
1. Keep Your Employees Safe.
The main benefit of offering workplace violence prevention training is to protect your employees from the risk of injury or death. Workplace violence incidents can have long-lasting impacts on employees and business operations. By implementing a comprehensive prevention program, your company can create a safer and more secure work environment for everyone.
2. Reduce Your Liability.
Without a workplace violence prevention program, you open yourself up to liability issues if something happens on the premises.
Proper training teaches employees how to identify warning signs of violent behavior and how to react appropriately to minimize harm to themselves and their colleagues. This reduces the risk of legal action against the company and minimizes the financial damage associated with workplace violence incidents.
3. Improve Your Company’s Reputation.
Not only can workplace violence lead to physical harm and emotional distress for employees, but it can also damage a company’s reputation.
By providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and respond to violent situations, a company can demonstrate to current and potential clients that it takes social responsibility seriously. A good reputation can lead to increased business opportunities and a more positive overall image.
4. Equip Your Employees to Prevent Violence.
Workplace violence prevention training not only prepares employees for what to do in an emergency but also trains them to recognize the warning signs of potential violence. This includes understanding the behavioral patterns of individuals prone to violence, such as changes in personality, increased aggression, and sudden mood swings.
By recognizing these behaviors, employees can take the necessary steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from becoming violent. This may include using active listening techniques, engaging in conflict resolution strategies, or simply removing themselves from the situation altogether.
5. Improve Employee Productivity and Morale.
Safety training can help boost employee morale and productivity because it shows you care about your staff and are taking steps to keep them safe.
A safe work environment is essential for maintaining a productive workforce, so by investing in workplace violence prevention, you can help prevent absences and reduce turnover. Not to mention the confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing what to do in an emergency.
Implement A Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Protecting your staff is essential for any business’s success, so ensure your company implements workplace violence prevention training and other safety initiatives. In doing so, you will be able to create a safe work environment and maintain a positive reputation for years to come.
If you want to improve workplace safety but don’t know where to start, contact Pikes Peak Security today. We conduct threat assessments and provide actionable advice for creating or enhancing your safety plan. We are also a certified AVERT provider: a program that covers steps to prevent and respond to an active shooting incident.
