B_0911_Newsworthy5-3

Recognize Signs of Workplace Violence

Sept. 14, 2011

Violence in the home can lead to violence in your facility, warns Rich Cordivari, vice president of learning and development at AlliedBarton Security Services. Employees and their coworkers are at risk when an aggressive spouse or significant other comes to the workplace to act out against a partner.

According to a 2005 survey conducted by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, workplace violence as a result of domestic violence is not uncommon, and facility managers and building operators need to be aware of the signs.

The survey found that 44% of full-time working male and female respondents had personally experienced the impact of domestic violence in the workplace, most frequently because a co-worker was a victim.

There are ways to help those in need and reduce the risk of personally experiencing domestic violence in the workplace, whether it is threatening you or one of your staff.

Make a difference by simply talking about domestic violence at work and recognizing the signs of an employee in distress, including (but not limited to):

  • Changes in schedule, such as arriving late or leaving early
  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, sprains, etc.
  • Suddenly avoiding interaction
  • Emotional outbursts that cannot be explained
  • Constantly receiving phone calls from a spouse or partner
  • Unexplained surprise visits from a spouse or partner
  • Poor or unsatisfactory work when work had been satisfactory previously

Over 70% of workplaces do not have a formal workplace violence program or policy in place, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...