Workplace Bullying & Violence Prevention

About This Course

Course Objectives

Introduction to Violence and Bullying in the Workplace

• Key Terms
• Statistics
• Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
• Equal Employment Opportunity Laws
• Responsibilities

Overview of Workplace Violence

• Types of Violence
• Warning Signs
• External Threats

Overview of Workplace Bullying

• Examples of Bullying Behavior
• Types of Bullies
• Root Causes of Bullying
• Unlawful Harassment

Workplace Violence Risk Factors and Vulnerable Groups

• Precautions for High-Risk Workers
• Precautions for Retail Workers
• Precautions for Health Care Workers

Effects of Workplace Violence and Bullying

• Mental Health Effects
• Physical Effects
• Costs to the Organization

Workplace Violence Control and Prevention

• Prevention Policy Creation
• Hazard Assessment
• Control Measures
• Record-keeping
• Training and Awareness
• Human Resources’ Role
• Management’s Role
• Employee Involvement
• Security

Responding to Workplace Violence

• Threat Assessment
• Emergency Plans
• Emergency Response Teams
• Responding to Violent Incidents
• Recovery and the Three Stages of Crisis
• Investigation and Evaluation

Responding to Workplace Bullying

• Employee Assistance Programs
• Response Strategies
• Crisis
• Stages of Crisis
• Crisis Intervention
• Reporting

Summary

Additional Resources

Exam

Because violence and bullying can occur in any workplace, all employers should make it a priority to provide safety training for their employees. Workplace harassment training highlights the conflict resolution tools needed to reduce the risk of violent or bullying behavior.

There is no specific OSHA standard dealing with workplace violence training or recertification. However, leaders and experts in the field of workplace violence awareness and prevention advise that recertification be required annually.

Workplace violence and bullying is not specifically regulated by OSHA standards, instead falling under the OSH Act general duty clause. It provides that all employers provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm” to their employees. Workplace violence is a recognized hazard, and employers must take steps to minimize the risks of violence against their employees.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee. In addition to protected statuses such as age, race, and sex, the EEOC also provides protection for employees who have complained or filed charges of discrimination or who have participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. Severe or pervasive workplace bully can lead to a hostile work environment, which is a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.