When you work somewhere, you have the right to feel safe and secure. Although all team members might have gone through violence pretending planning, you cannot control the actions of another individual. If you encounter an unfortunate situation where violence becomes prevalent, it might be time to come forward and inform the authorities.
Sometimes, letting people know isn’t sufficient. You may have to take further action when you suffer from violence in your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 2 million people report some type of workplace violence every year. That’s one too many. Here are some things you can do if you encounter violence at work.
Table of Contents
Recognize the Red Flags
When you go through an incident of violence, you might brush it off as something regular. However, if something feels unusual, but you’re unsure whether to classify it as violence, you can contact human rights lawyers for assistance. Talking to a professional will help you understand the severity of the issue and your next steps.
Some violent behaviours include angry outbursts, talking about weapons, getting too physically close, holding grudges or even outsider threats, such as theft.
If you encounter an unpleasant violent incident and aren’t sure how to approach it, a human rights lawyer will guide you through the process. They will provide you with your legal options and explain the potential outcomes.
Don’t Let Fear Get in the Way
You might be a new member of the team or currently working towards a promotion. Whatever your situation is, nothing is worth making an excuse for tolerating violence at work. Don’t secretly tolerate violence because you are afraid of the outcome. Legally, no one can stop you from getting in a higher position because you spoke up about misconduct.
If your company members take adverse action due to your decision, it is in your best interest to leave that destructive work environment. There are numerous situations where people stay in toxic cultures because they are afraid of the consequences of leaving.
Get Familiar with Security Measures
Sometimes the best Way to tackle violence is to stay prepared. Unfortunately, you never know when you might encounter a violent incident at work. If you have any doubts or feel unsafe, familiarize yourself with the security measures and tools at work. This step includes knowing all exit points, be aware of alarm systems and security cameras.
Avoid Situations That Cause Vulnerability
The need to stay cautious at all times isn’t the ideal Way to stay occupied at work. However, sometimes you have to go the extra mile for safety. Since violence comes in many forms, one of them could be an outsider threat. If you have to carry a large amount of money or highly confidential documents at night, take someone with you to be safe.
If you’re afraid of encountering violence from a co-worker, you could avoid situations where you two would have to be alone in a private space. Always try to interact in a public place where you can ask for help if needed.
Workplace safety is essential for every organization. If you’re feeling uneasy, speak to a human rights lawyer or higher authorities at your firm. Don’t let the matter escalate due to fear because your safety comes first.
