Skip to Main Content

Keeping Our Workplace Violence-Free

Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Print

Although we do our best at  to keep the workplace safe, violence inflicted by an outsider or between employees remains a serious safety and health issue.

It can occur inside or outside the workplace, and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. In fact, according to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), workplace violence is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in our country.

Identifying Your Risk

Workplace violence can start as small incidents involving negative remarks and inappropriate behavior, and can escalate to physical or psychological violence. Quarrying, mining and oil/gas drilling workplaces are particularly hazardous because of the dangerous conditions that are inherently a part of the work environment, which can ultimately be used as weapons.

Violence includes actions or words that endanger or harm you, or result in other workers believing that they may be in danger, including:

  • Verbal or physical harassment
  • Verbal or physical threats
  • Assaults or other violence
  • Any other behavior that causes you to feel unsafe (bullying or sexual harassment)

Your safety is our top priority. As we emphasize in our Workplace Violence Prevention Program, we do not tolerate threats, bullying, harassment or any other form of violence. Help us keep you safe by understanding your risk and taking steps to protect yourself.

Staying Safe

Nothing can guarantee that you will not become a victim of workplace violence, but you do have the right to expect a workplace that promotes safety from violence, threats and harassment. We have taken steps to help prevent violence in the workplace. Contribute to the safety measures and other efforts that we have in place as follows:

  • Become aware of and report violent or threatening behavior by co-workers or other warning signs.
  • Take all threats seriously.
  • Follow procedures established by our Workplace Violence Prevention Program, including those for reporting incidents.
  • Learn how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs.
  • Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security, and report all incidents immediately in writing.
  • Avoid traveling alone to unfamiliar locations or being in unusual situations whenever possible.

It is of utmost importance to stay alert and aware of any potentially dangerous behavior. Make sure that you are effectively trained in conflict resolution and methods of handling a potentially dangerous situation.

Help Us Keep You Safe

We will do our best to protect you from workplace violence. Be aware of the danger or workplace violence and avert incidents by reporting any concerns you may have.

Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.