Preventing Violence in the Workplace

The Aftermath of Violence

Prevention strategies primarily focus on the protection of employees from a perpetrator of violence. Attention also needs to be focused on the victims and witnesses of workplace violence. There is a need for action by managers should an incident of workplace violence occur.

Witnessing lethal violence and having potentially been a target for such violence ordinarily gives rise to stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, anxiety when in the space where the incident occurred, and sleep difficulties. Such symptoms can be disabling for long periods of time. It is believed that there are differences among people in resilience, with greater vulnerability to post-traumatic stress among those with previous experience of violence, those with preexisting psychiatric conditions, and those without supportive relationships outside the workplace. However, anyone present during an incident of lethal violence may be afflicted by post-traumatic stress symptomatology.

Nonfatal violence, as well as fatal violence, can be traumatic for those targeted and for witnesses. An incident such as a security guard pulling a gun on a worker during an argument can produce lasting anxiety throughout a workplace.

Any incident of workplace violence must be taken note of by higher management. Management's first step, which should be initiated immediately following a violent incident, is to plan an appropriate intervention with the company EAP personnel, or outside mental health professionals. Opportunities for worker discussion should be provided, and a demonstration should be made of management's commitment to worker safety. Those affected need an opportunity to talk and the support of fellow workers and of management.

CMHS94 5002
1994

Table of Contents | Previous | Next