Скачать или смотреть Understaffing is a Workplace Violence Risk Factor 1998 SEIU

A risk factor for workplace violence is understaffing. Staff working alone or in isolation from other staff are vulnerable to assault. The presence of co-workers has been identified as a potential deterrent to assault. Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Homicide is currently a leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 4,547 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2010, 506 were workplace homicides. Homicide is the leading cause of death for women in the workplace. Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Unfortunately, many more cases go unreported. Factors that may increase the risk of violence include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Providing services and care, and working where alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence. Additionally, time of day and location of work, such as working late at night or in areas with high crime rates, are also risk factors that should be considered when addressing issues of workplace violence. Among those with higher risk are workers who exchange money with the public, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, and those who work alone or in small groups. In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions. By assessing their worksites, employers can identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring. A well written and implemented Workplace Violence Prevention Program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence. For much more on workplace violence, go to the OSHA webpage at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplacevio..., the NIOSH webpage at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/viole... . This 1998 video, PRIVATE HORROR/PUBLIC ISSUE: ON THE JOB ASSAULT (17 min), was created by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This video provides a graphic depiction of the problem of workplace violence, especially for those who work in healthcare, offices, or other so-called safe environments. Using several case histories, including interviews with victims of workplace violence, emphasis is placed on workers' rights and union efforts to prevent violence on the job.