The complex issue of workplace violence remains prevalent in our society, along with alarming statistics surrounding harassment within professional settings. Discover the significant financial and reputational costs that businesses incur due to workplace violence incidents. Invaluable insights and best practices can help employers develop a comprehensive workplace violence policy. Employers must understand the essential elements of a multifaceted approach, including the implementation of physical security measures, employee training initiatives, and the establishment of organizational protocols to mitigate violence effectively.
Kim Olszewski, former president of the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing and DISA's Director of Client and Medical Provider Services, shared her expertise on violence prevention in the workplace at Day with DISA. The focus was on identifying, understanding, and mitigating risks associated with workplace violence across several industries. Kim emphasized the importance of proactive strategies to prevent violent incidents and ensure employee safety while speaking to current trends and best practices in the development of effective workplace violence policies.
If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend the Day with DISA conference, or if you would like to review this presentation again, you can download or watch it using the link below.
6 Key Takeaways:
- Statistics Reveal a Growing Concern: In 2020, there were 392 homicides and approximately 37,060 nonfatal workplace injuries related to violence. These figures underscore the critical need for comprehensive violence prevention strategies in all work settings.
- Financial Impact on Businesses: Workplace violence causes significant financial losses for businesses, ranging from $250 to $330 billion annually. These losses stem from legal costs, decreased productivity, and damaged reputations, highlighting the economic imperative for effective violence prevention measures.
- High-Risk Industries and Situations: Certain job categories, such as sales, healthcare, and public service roles, are at higher risk for workplace violence. Situations involving handling money, working alone, or significant organizational changes also increased risk, necessitating tailored prevention strategies for these contexts.
- Preventative Measures are Critical: Implementing physical security measures, conducting regular risk assessments, and fostering a culture of safety can significantly reduce the incidence of workplace violence. Training employees to recognize and respond to potential threats is equally important.
- Comprehensive Workplace Violence Policies: An effective workplace violence policy should include clear definitions, reporting procedures, and consequences for violations. It should also provide support for victims and witnesses of violence, demonstrating the organization's commitment to a safe work environment.
- Engagement and Training: Regularly engaging employees in discussions about workplace safety and providing training on violence prevention are essential. These efforts should focus on recognizing warning signs, de-escalating potential threats, and understanding the proper channels for reporting incidents.
About Day with DISA
The Day with DISA conference has become a cornerstone event for HR and safety professionals seeking the latest insights on employee screening and workplace safety. This year, the conference welcomed over 4,000 attendees, offering a blend of virtual presentations and in-person networking opportunities. While this year's event has concluded, planning for next year's conference is already underway. We encourage those interested in the latest trends, best practices, and networking opportunities in employee screening to consider attending next year.
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About DISA:
Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout North America and Europe, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes background checks, drug and alcohol testing, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.