Some workplaces are much more stressful than others, and unfortunately that can bring out the worst in certain employees. People handle stress differently, as some are able to let it roll off their back, while others internalize the pressure until they snap. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration — OSHA — urges employers to realize the magnitude of this issue.

OSHA rules and regulations cover many aspects of a work environment, but policies involving violence are largely left to the discretion of individual companies. Sometimes a matter of life or death, this issue must be taken seriously. Numbers don’t lie, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries revealed that of the 4,679 fatal workplace injuries in 2014, 403 were workplace homicides.

Find out how to keep your employees safe when tensions rise.

Three Tips From OSHA to Prevent Workplace Violence

 

Create a Zero-Tolerance Policy

OSHA commends a zero-tolerance policy toward violence as one of the best protections you can offer employees. According to the agency, the all-inclusive policy should cover workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors and anyone else who might engage with company personnel. This eliminates any gray area and makes it clear that no aggressive behavior of any kind is permitted on the premises.

Devise a Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Combined with training and proper oversight, OSHA touts a well-written and implemented workplace violence prevention program as an effective way to reduce workplace incidents. Assess your worksite to find ways to reduce the chances of violence and use this to create a comprehensive plan. The program can be a stand-alone initiative or part of a larger company safety and health program, according to OSHA, as long as all employees understand what’s expected of them.

Employ Additional Safety Measures

Since every company is different, OSHA encourages employers in high-risk industries to seek additional protections to keep employees safe. Exactly what this entails will vary by company. If you as much as suspect your organization fits into this category, do everything possible to protect your team. It’s much better to be safe than sorry.

Premium Staffing, Inc. takes pride in partnering with employers that care about safety as much as we do. If you’ve weaved OSHA standards into your workplace culture, we want to hear from you. Contact us today to start connecting with the best engineering and manufacturing professionals in Chicagoland and beyond.

About Premium Staffing in Chicago, Illinois

Premium Staffing is a Chicago-area recruiting and staffing firm that specializes in heavy industrial, engineering and highly skilled manufacturing placement. Serving the Chicagoland area, and nationwide, since 2006, PSI works with talented professionals in engineering and manufacturing.

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