Workplace violence is a serious problem in the United States, and according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it affects all of society. The bureau also reports that employers are legally and ethically responsible for promoting a safe work environment where employees do not have to be concerned about threats and violence. There are many signs that you should be aware of that tell you when workplace violence is possible.
Threats or Threatening Behavior
One sign of workplace violence is if there have been vague or unveiled threats toward other workers or supervisors. One worker may act intimidating to others and threaten bodily harm to other workers. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, many threats turn out to be harmless and simply workers dealing with stressful situations. However, this does not mean that you should not take it seriously.. Some threats may simply be threatening behavior, such as negative or violent motions with the hands or disturbing looks. Report any of these types of behaviors to management immediately.
Anger and Argument
Anger and argumentative behavior can be a sign of workplace violence. According to the National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence, a person who has immense hate towards other coworkers, supervisors, family, or friends may become violent at work. Another sign that a person can become violent is if he shows impulsiveness, gets into altercations with others or slams things around. A person who is at risk of becoming violent at work may act aggressively and seem to have a short fuse when he does not get his way. According to the University of Washington, an angry person may seem to have an odd personality or have strange moods and behaviors.
Problem Behavior
Many problem behaviors can be signs of potential workplace violence. According to the University of Washington, one problem behavior that is a warning sign is drug or alcohol abuse. Coworkers may observe alcohol or drug use and report this behavior to management. In addition, the University of Washington reports that other behaviors such as a history of violence, being reckless or even having antisocial behavior can all be signs of violence in workers.
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