Why Train on Violence in the Workplace?

Reasons for Training

"Violence in the Workplace" Seminars

Clients

"Violence in the Workplace" Seminar

"OSHA does not have a specific standard for workplace violence. However, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the OSH Act, or the Act), the extent of an employer's obligation to address workplace violence is governed by the General Duty Clause."

"It is, therefore, OSHA's commitment to encourage employers to develop workplace violence prevention programs."

“Workplace Violence”, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, February 14, 2002

Why Train on "Violence in the Workplace"?

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in “Combating Workplace Violence” (a report funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice) states:

• "Violence in the workplace can have devastating effects on the productivity of organizations and on the quality of life of employees. However, relatively few employers have established effective programs to combat this problem."

• "The duty of an employer to provide a reasonably safe workplace may arise from a variety of federal or state statutes, regulations, or judicial decisions."

• "Many state courts have ruled that an employer is liable for dangerous acts of employees if such harm was foreseeable. The employer must use reasonable care in hiring, training, supervising and retaining employees."

• "The employer may avoid or reduce liability for acts of violence in the workplace where it can show that the employer conducted training for employees on the recognition of warning signs of potential violent behavior and on precautions which may enhance the personal safety of the employee at work."

Reasons for Training

• "Businesses are just beginning to realize the high cost of just one violent incident. These costs can include medical and psychiatric care as well as potential liability suits, lost business and productivity, repairs and clean-up, higher insurance rates, consultants' fees, increased security measures and – most important of all – the death or injury of valued employees and coworkers."

• "Threats and other violent, abusive behaviors are no longer being tolerated in the workplace."

• "Executives, professionals, and administrative personnel are no longer immune to acts of violence in the workplace."

• "Layoffs, increased workload, having to do more with less, and other unpopular changes in the work environment have been associated with increased risk for violence."

• "Recent reports and surveys suggest that workplace violence impacts large numbers of employers and employees."

• "It's the right thing to do. Employers have both a moral and a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees, clients and visitors."

Combating Workplace Violence, IACP, 1996

"Violence in the Workplace" Seminars

Each presentation is custom designed in duration and content to meet the needs of the individual organization and target group. Participants may include:

• Office workers.

• Supervisors.

• Administrative and/or management personnel.

• Security personnel.

• Human resources personnel.

• Risk management personnel.

A general presentation is available for entire organizations/groups

Training objectives may include:

• Define workplace violence.

• Define major categories of workplace violence.

• Identify workplace violence hype and reality.

• Identify why there is workplace violence.

• Identify warning signs and potential for violence by employees.

• Identify strategies for prevention of workplace violence.

• Identify legal obligations and duties.

• Identify office and personal safety measures.

Training method:

PowerPoint Presentation, videos, audience interaction and question/answer session. The presentation, while serious and reflective, provides humorous interludes to keep the topic and training enjoyable and focused.

Training goals:

• To provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of violence in the workplace.

• To provide practical and useful information to participants at all levels within an organization, while meeting management needs to take cost effective, pro-active measures to; protect employees, meet the organization’s legal obligations to employees and reduce liability.

Other available seminars:

• "Office Safety"

• "Personal Safety"

• "Building Security"

CLIENTS

" Tad's presentation on Violence in the Workplace received significant positive feedback from our supervisors and employees.  The content was informative, well-organized, relevant, and beneficial to all of our departments."

" Tad's presentation effectively instructs employees and supervisors both in recognizing and identifying the warning signs of workplace violence and in arming them with the knowledge of what to do when confronted with these indicators.  These skills will likely increase the margin of safety for our employees as well as the public."

Erika B. Ellingsen

Chief Legal Counsel/Risk Manager

Kootenai County, Idaho

"Tad Leach combines solid information with humor to produce a high-quality presentation on the topic of violence in the workplace.  Anecdotal evidence and statistical data provide an excellent backdrop for the valuable information Mr. Leach presents. "

" Mr. Leach's mastery of this subject, acquired during 30 years of law enforcement experience, is evident throughout the presentation."

Julie Tiger-Liegert

Co-Chair, Program Committee

Human Resources Network of North Idaho

"Tad excels at covering what can be a very frightening topic in a way that leaves employees feeling empowered to effectively deal with potentially threatening situations. He presents information, practical strategies, and communication tools that employees can arm themselves with to enhance their safety in the workplace.

I highly recommend this training!"

Peggy Schnell
North Idaho College

"Our organization found Mr. Leach to be an excellent and well-informed speaker, who was able to retain the attention of the audience by way of topic content and interactive speaking. He was able to adapt the program to the group and fit their needs.

We look forward to having Mr. Leach speak to our organization again. He is never repetitive and his extensive experience and knowledge always bring valuable information and resources to the audience."

Anne Hagman, Chapter President
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Coeur d’Alene Chapter

"I would like to take this time to give you a special THANK YOU. It was very generous of you for taking the time to come and give a speech to us on safety. It was very informative and entertaining. We all learned from it. As a matter of fact, a week after your speech, the receptionist had a Client who was upset and angry. She said, that she remembered and followed your instructions. This helped her tremendously."

Douglas Gabel, Program Director
North Idaho Community Action Agency

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02/12/2008