Workplace safety has become a top concern for HR managers and employers across industries, and for good reason. Workplace violence, ranging from verbal threats to physical harm, is a serious issue that can disrupt operations, harm employees, and damage organizational reputations. While no organization can predict every potential incident, actionable strategies like background checks and threat assessments play a pivotal role in mitigating risks.
This blog will explore how these tools can effectively address potential threats while fostering a safe and supportive workplace environment.
What Is Workplace Violence?
Before we dive into prevention strategies, it’s essential to understand what constitutes workplace violence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” This broad definition includes verbal abuse, physical attacks, and even sabotage of company resources.
The data is alarming. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 2 million employees report cases of workplace violence each year. These incidents are not confined to a specific industry, but healthcare, social services, education, and retail sectors report the highest rates.
Workplace violence poses not just immediate physical or emotional risks to employees but also leads to long-term organizational consequences such as lower employee retention rates, legal liabilities, and tarnished reputations.
The Role of Background Checks in Workplace Violence Prevention
A key first defense against workplace violence lies in comprehensive background checks. These checks provide employers with crucial insights into a candidate’s past behavior, helping to identify any red flags that may indicate potential risk.
Key Components of Background Checks
Background checks often include:
- Criminal History: Identifies prior violent behavior or criminal records.
- Identity Verification: Confirms a candidate’s identity to prevent fraud.
- Employment History: Evaluates consistency in job transitions and any patterns of conflict.
- References: Provides external perspectives on the candidate’s behavior and habits.
For example, if records reveal patterns of harassment or violent misconduct, employers can take additional steps during the hiring process, such as conducting follow-up interviews. However, it’s critical to balance diligence with fairness, ensuring compliance with local laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers need to operate transparently and only use permissible data during the hiring process.
Best Practices for Implementation
- Standardize the Process: Ensure that background checks are part of a consistent hiring policy applied to all candidates.
- Partner with a Trusted Vendor: Choose reputable service providers who offer accurate and up-to-date information.
- Communicate Clearly: Inform applicants that background screenings are part of your hiring process, fostering transparency and openness.
Threat Assessments as a Proactive Measure
While background checks play a preventive role during hiring, threat assessments provide an ongoing strategy to evaluate and manage risks within the existing workforce. A comprehensive threat assessment is a process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats in real time.
How Threat Assessments Work
Threat assessment involves analyzing behaviors or situations that raise concerns, such as:
- Manifestations of anger or hostility.
- Drastic behavioral changes in employees.
- Direct or implied threats made in the workplace.
These indicators can point to underlying issues requiring prompt attention. Coordinating swift responses through teams that include HR, legal experts, and threat assessment professionals is key.
Tools and Techniques
- Anonymous Reporting Systems: Allow employees to report concerning behavior without fear of retaliation.
- Training for Managers: Equip managers with the skills to identify and respond to early warning signs.
- Behavioral Risk Evaluations: Conduct detailed assessments when an individual poses specific concerns.
Success in Action
Take, for instance, a case where a manufacturing company implemented a robust threat assessment protocol. After an employee exhibited unusual hostility following a demotion, the threat assessment team intervened, providing counseling and closely monitoring the situation. By addressing the concerns proactively, the company avoided escalation and maintained workplace harmony.
Combining Strategies for Comprehensive Prevention
Background checks and threat assessments are most effective when used together. While background checks help ensure potential employees do not pose a risk, ongoing threat assessments keep an eye on internal dynamics, safeguarding against evolving threats.
Building a Prevention-Oriented Culture
To strengthen these strategies, organizations must cultivate a culture of respect and safety:
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage employees to share concerns without fear of dismissal or retaliation.
- Provide Safety Training: Equip employees with the knowledge to handle violent scenarios.
- Regularly Evaluate Policies: Conduct periodic reviews to ensure background checks and threat assessment protocols remain effective.
These efforts not only enhance safety but also boost employee morale and trust.
Proactively Protect Your Workplace Today
Preventing workplace violence starts with smart hiring practices and vigilant monitoring, but it also requires organizations to foster a culture of accountability and respect. By integrating tools like background checks and threat assessments, employers can take a proactive approach to protecting their employees and their business.