The training question is “Why is it important to provide training on workplace violence prevention, and what should such training include?”
Here is how a training expert responded:
During training, employees, supervisors, and managers learn how to recognize the early warning signs of violence, report such behaviors, and follow up before a potential problem escalates, says Wayne Maxey, a senior consultant with Baron Center, Inc., a San Diego-based consulting and training firm known for its expertise in violence intervention and prevention, threat assessment, and posttrauma response.
Although many employers do not have a written policy on workplace violence, all should, Maxey says, and that policy should be part of employee training. Training should address details of the policy, including how employees are expected to behave on the job, what behaviors should be reported, and to whom employees should report those behaviors, he explains.
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Signs to Look Out For
Potentially problematic behaviors include:
- Signs of anger
- Outbursts
- Physical assaults or intimidation
- Bullying
- Substance abuse
- Mental health issues
Maxey notes that employees also should report coworkers’ comments about homicide or suicide. Similarly, if a coworker seems “fixated” on recent incidents of workplace violence or makes comments about them, such behavior should be reported.
Training
Maxey says that all employees should be trained on the company’s workplace violence policy upon hire and should complete refresher training at least every 2 years. He suggests that employers reinforce that training by hanging related posters in common areas to remind employees, for example, what types of behavior should be reported.
In addition, at least every 2 years, supervisors and managers should complete a separate training module focused on conflict management so that problems are not allowed to “fester,” he says.
Although online training works well for violence prevention, Maxey recommends a classroom-based component for supervisors and managers, so they can participate in role-playing exercises.
He also says employers should research the many training resources available on workplace violence prevention. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel,” he says.
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In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll talk about how employees can protect themselves from potential violent incidents at work, and we’ll present a comprehensive online training resource to help you meet all of your HR compliance and training needs.