Workplace Violence Checklist
November 1, 2008 2 minutes read
Workplace Violence Checklist
(Editor's note: This checklist is part of U.S. OSHA's Guideline for Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare can be found at www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/workplaceviolence/checklist.html.)
Designated competent and responsible observers can readily make periodic inspections to identify and evaluate workplace security hazards and threats of workplace violence. These inspections should be scheduled on a regular basis; when new, previously unidentified security hazards are recognized; when occupational deaths, injuries, or threats of injury occur; when a safety, health, and security program is established; and whenever workplace security conditions warrant an inspection.
Periodic inspections for security hazards include identifying and evaluating potential workplace security hazards and changes in employee work practices that may lead to compromising security. Please use the following checklist to identify and evaluate workplace security hazards. Every "true" answer indicates a potential risk for serious hazards:
True or False?
__ This industry frequently confronts violent behavior and assaults of staff.
__Violence has occurred on the premises or in conducting business.
__ Customers, clients, or co-workers assault, threaten, yell, push, or verbally abuse employees or use racial or sexual remarks.
__ Employees are NOT required to report incidents or threats of violence, regardless of injury or severity, to employer.
__ Employees have NOT been trained by the employer to recognize and handle threatening, aggressive, or violent behavior.
__ Violence is accepted as "part of the job" by some managers, supervisors, and/or employees.
__ Access and freedom of movement within the workplace are NOT restricted to those persons who have a legitimate reason for being there.
__ The workplace security system is inadequate i.e., door locks malfunction, windows are not secure, and there are no physical barriers or containment systems.
__ Employees or staff members have been assaulted, threatened, or verbally abused by clients and patients.
__ Medical and counseling services have NOT been offered to employees who have been assaulted.
__ Alarm systems such as panic alarm buttons, silent alarms, or personal electronic alarm systems are NOT being used for prompt security assistance.
__ There is no regular training provided on correct response to alarm sounding.
__ Alarm systems are NOT tested on a monthly basis to assure correct function.
__ Security guards are NOT employed at the workplace.
__ Closed-circuit cameras and mirrors are NOT used to monitor dangerous areas.
__ Metal detectors are NOT available or NOT used in the facility.
__ Employees have NOT been trained to recognize and control hostile and escalating aggressive behaviors, and to manage assaultive behavior.
__ Employees CANNOT adjust work schedules to use the "Buddy System" for visits to clients in areas where they feel threatened.
__ Cellular phones or other communication devices are NOT made available to field staff to enable them to request aid.
__ Vehicles are NOT maintained on a regular basis to ensure reliability and safety.
__ Employees work where assistance is NOT quickly available.
Designated competent and responsible observers can readily make periodic inspections to identify and evaluate workplace security hazards and threats of workplace violence.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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