Violence at work, ranging from bullying and mobbing, to threats by psychologically unstable co-workers, sexual harassment and homicide, is increasing worldwide and has reached epidemic levels in some countries. This updated and revised edition looks at the full range of aggressive acts, offers new information on their occurrence and identifies occupations and situations at particular risk. It is organised in three sections: understanding violence at work; responding to violence at work; future action.

Presents a profile of a violent perpetrator. Provides training tips for staff working with a potentially violent public. Includes ways of identifying early warning signs in a disgruntled employee, and a choice of model policies for providing post-trauma support counselling.

Workplace Violence: Issues in Threat Management defines what workplace violence is, delves into the myths and realities surrounding the topic and provides readers with the latest statistics, thinking, and strategies in the prevention of workplace violence. The authors, who themselves have implemented successful workplace violence protection programs, guide novice and experienced practitioners alike in the development of their own programs.

Organizations are ethically, morally, and legally required to maintain safe workplaces that protects employees, visitors and anyone who frequents their establishments. But why do organizations that employee uniformed security personnel as part of their overall workplace violence prevention program still struggle to create and maintain the safest possible workplaces? To meet these obligations organizations often employ uniformed security officers to deter, observe, and report criminal behavior, and in some contexts, they physically interact with dangerous individuals to protect employees, consumers and visitors from violent behaviors. Unfortunately, many organizations don’t utilize their security personnel to their fullest potential and organizational and community members continue to be victims of workplace violence. This book identifies the flawed principles, policies and personnel decisions that organizations use, and it provides practical solutions to address them. The book covers two major themes: the misapplication of law enforcement community safety principles to private, free-market businesses and the use of risk aversive philosophies to their security officer’s activities. This book covers the principles, policies and personnel necessary for maximizing the effectiveness of uniformed security personnel to successfully mitigate potential workplace violence and create and maintain safe organizations. There is a strong need for this book since workplace violence prevention has taken on a new focus due to increases in workplace violence incidents and new laws requiring organizations to take a more serious approach to workplace violence prevention. The healthcare and campus markets are most affected by these laws and are under public scrutiny because of their vulnerable populations. These two markets combined employ the most non-contract, propriety private security personnel in the country. Both markets rely on uniform security officers to create and maintain safe communities and play an important role in their respective workplace violence prevention plans.

Workplace violence in all its forms is becoming more prevalent and pervasive every year. Workplace Violence: Planning for Prevention and Response gives a comprehensive account of the problem using a multi-faceted approach to the issues surrounding workplace violence incidents, addressing how the topic affects victims, witnesses, the workforce, family members, and management. A series of chapters helps organizations to form action and response plans to manage incidents both large and small. The focus also includes organizations that are forced to address violent individuals in settings where law enforcement may not be immediately available. Kerr speaks first-hand about complex issues like corporate liability for violent or threatening acts committed by employees, as well as issues of privacy, and he includes chapters written by experts on legal issues, cyberthreats, and anger in the workplace. This book belongs on the desk of every security manager and HR professional, and offers solid advice to all managers regardless of the size of their organization. Details the problem from all angles to help the reader design a comprehensive strategy for all constituent groups Provides proven, detailed support for creating policies and procedures, awareness, and response training Discuses real-life case studies to help readers understand how to apply strategies discussed in the book

Psychiatry & Mental Health

By any measure, workplace violence is increasing in frequency and intensity. A recent report estimates its cost at over $120 billion. Meanwhile, experts agree that risk factors, including psychological, behavioral, and situational stressors, are increasing in the context of today's volatile business environment. This timely book integrates insights from the fields of management and social psychology to identify the sources of workplace violence and offer readers practical strategies for preventing it, protecting themselves and their employees from it, and reacting swiftly and effectively when it happens. Featuring case examples, interviews, practical recommendations, and resources for additional information, the authors debunk common myths and misconceptions about workplace violence, its perpetrators, and its victims, and consider the link between domestic and workplace violence—in particular, its implications for women and minorities. The result is an essential guide for anyone, including managers and employees, human resource professionals and counselors, psychologists and other advocates, affected by the impact of workplace violence and seeking solutions. The statistics are alarming. Homicide is the most frequent manner in which female employees are fatally injured at work; it is the number two cause for men. According to a recent study cited by the Society for Human Resource Management, incidents of workplace violence have increased steadily over the past sixteen years; 58 percent of participating companies reported that disgruntled employees have threatened senior managers in the past year, 17 percent said employees had intentionally and maliciously downloaded computer viruses, and 10 percent said they were victims of product tampering. Meanwhile, the costs linked to workplace violence have been estimated at over $120 billion. Experts agree that risk factors for workplace violence include psychological, behavioral, and situational stressors—and today's volatile business environment increases their intensity. This timely book integrates insights from the fields of management and social psychology to identify the sources of workplace violence and offer readers practical strategies for preventing it, protecting themselves and their employees from it, and reacting swiftly and effectively when it happens. Featuring case examples, interviews, practical recommendations, and resources for additional information, the authors debunk common myths and misconceptions about workplace violence, its perpetrators, and its victims, and consider the link between domestic and workplace violence—in particular, its implications for women and minorities. The result is an essential guide for anyone, including managers and employees, human resource professionals and counselors, psychologists and other advocates, who is affected by the impact of workplace violence and is seeking solutions.