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Personal Safety
Work place violence is a serious threat, and it is on the rise. Work place violence includes:
- arson
- assault
- murder
- hostage taking
- rape
- robbery
- stalking
- threats/intimidation
- vandalism
Anyone can commit workplace violence. It may be a person at work place outside or inside your organization:
- an angry employee or customer
- a bitter ex-employee
- the jealous partner of an employee
Work together to make your work place more secure
- Both you and your employer play important roles. Your employer is taking steps to keep you safe at work. You can help by cooperating with these efforts.
- Prevention is the key to stopping workplace violence. When everyone has a "safety-first" attitude, the threat of violence can be greatly reduced.
- A safe and secure work place is your right and your responsibility. You can make a difference.
Start by following these security guidelines:
- Learn your organization's policies
- Always follow proper procedures
- Take part in training programs
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Stay alert for signs of trouble
- Trust your instincts in the work place
- Evaluate and assess a situation before you act
- Report all incidents
- Take all threats seriously! Be safe, not sorry.
Watch for warning signs that a person may be losing control:
- threats, insults, sexual comments
- unreasonable demands, constant complaining
- shouting and swearing
- threatening gestures
- carrying a weapon
- having alcohol or other drug usage at the workplace
- nervous pacing
- extreme change in appearance and/or mood
- Not everyone who shows these signs will become violent. However, it's best to stay cautious and alert
Guard Your Personnel Safety
- Stay Alert, Always be aware of your surroundings. Be careful around people you don't know or who have a history of violence.
- Don't make yourself an easy target; look confident, carry a minimum amount of cash. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry in public. If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body
- Vary your routine; vary the times you leave from home and work. Notify your supervisor or security if your working late
- Travel with someone, if you can. Keep doors locked at all times
- Always take the safest -NOT the shortest- route home
- Consider taking a self-defense course
- Avoid trouble spots; parking in isolated lots, riding elevators alone with a stranger, using poorly-lit stairways and doorways
- If being followed turn to look at the person-this shows you're alert of your surroundings. Change directions or cross the street. Go to a safe place where there are people, if you are still being followed call the police
Harassing Phone Calls
- Hang up immediately
- Keep a record of all calls
- Report calls to your supervisor or the police