Workplace Violence Prevention Tips for Georgia Employers

Workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees across Georgia. While no workplace is immune, there are steps employers can take to reduce the risk. This article provides practical tips to help Georgia employers prevent workplace violence and protect their staff.

Recognize the Risk Factors

The first step is recognizing situations that increase the risk for violence. Common risk factors include^[1]:

• Handling money or valuables
• Working late nights or early mornings
• Working alone or in small numbers
• Working in high-crime areas
• Guarding property
• Working in community settings

Jobs like healthcare, social services, retail, transportation, and education often have these risk factors. But any workplace can experience violence with the right circumstances.

Listen to Your Staff

Your employees are your eyes and ears. They may notice concerning behaviors or situations first. Make it easy for staff to report safety issues. Have an anonymous tip line or suggestion box. Take all concerns seriously and investigate promptly. This shows employees their input matters.

Control Access

Limit access to the workplace to authorized staff only. Consider having a single public entrance with a reception area. Require employees to wear ID badges. Install security systems like cameras, alarms, and card-key access. Make sure landscaping doesn’t create blind spots. Cut back shrubs and trim trees to maintain visibility.

Hire Smart

Background checks can reveal potential problems. Many companies now screen job candidates for violence risk factors. Look for unexplained gaps in work history, frequent job changes, and discrepancies between resumes and applications. Check references thoroughly. Remember – fair hiring practices still apply.

Set Clear Policies

Spell out unacceptable behaviors and the consequences. For example, make threats, harassment, and weapons possession grounds for immediate termination. Require employees to report suspicious activity. Train all staff on policies and procedures. Enforce them consistently to maintain credibility.

Train Supervisors

Managers and supervisors need specific training for recognizing and defusing volatile situations. Teach them to be alert for escalating behaviors. Instruct them to get help, not handle violent individuals alone. Remind them to stay calm and listen actively. Practice de-escalation techniques through role playing.

Watch for Warning Signs

Certain behaviors can signal impending violence. These include^[2]:

• Increased agitation
• Making threats
• Sudden behavioral changes
• Paranoia
• Bringing weapons to work
• Stalking coworkers
• Verbal abuse

When you notice these signs, take action right away. Speak to the employee in private. Refer them to the employee assistance program. Consult HR about next steps, like discipline or termination.

Deal with Threats Immediately

All threats must be taken seriously. Investigate promptly and document findings. Suspend the threatening employee pending investigation. Increase security measures like changing keypad codes. Consult the police if laws may have been violated. Follow disciplinary procedures consistently.

Support Victims

Caring for victims should be a top priority. Offer medical care and time off as needed. Provide counseling through an employee assistance program. Connect victims with community resources like victim advocates. Respect their privacy but keep communication open. Reassure them the situation is being addressed.

Create an Action Plan

Develop emergency protocols for violent situations. Identify escape routes and safe areas to shelter. Designate who will call 911 and communicate with staff. Practice active shooter and evacuation drills. Make crisis kits with first aid supplies. Know how to safely evacuate or lock down if needed.

Coordinate with Law Enforcement

Develop relationships with local police and security professionals. Report concerns and share important information within privacy laws. Request extra patrols for vulnerable times like opening, closing, or cash transports. Ask for security assessments and advice. Sign up for crime alerts from law enforcement.

Make Facilities Safer

There are many ways to enhance physical security:

• Install alarm and camera systems
• Improve exterior lighting
• Use panic buttons or noise alarms
• Mount mirrors to eliminate blind spots
• Keep windows free of obstructions
• Position desks away from entrances

Make safety part of workplace design from the beginning. Consult security professionals for advice on layout and access control.

Provide Escorts

Offer escorts for employees who work late and walk to parking areas alone. Have security guards do regular patrols of the grounds. Require staff to walk in pairs after dark. Install emergency call boxes in parking garages and lots.

Ban Weapons

Prohibit all weapons on company property. This includes firearms, knives, pepper spray, clubs, and any item used to threaten or harm. Extend the ban to company vehicles and parking areas. Enforce it for staff, clients, and visitors. Post signs clearly stating weapons are not allowed.

Limit Cash

Robbery prevention starts with minimizing cash on hand. Deposit cash frequently. Use locked drop safes. Carry small amounts between register and safe. Vary bank deposit routes and times. Some businesses use cashless transactions as much as possible.

Provide Security Guards

Uniformed guards visibly enhance security. Station them at entrances, parking areas, and other key locations. Security personnel can greet visitors, monitor cameras, respond to incidents, and coordinate with police. Many companies hire third-party security firms to staff guards.

Install Physical Barriers

Barriers offer protection while maintaining visibility. Strategically placed barriers include:

• Bullet-resistant transaction windows
• Passenger screening portals in healthcare settings
• Enclosed reception desks
• Security screens for cashiers
• Lockable gates across open doorways

Consult security experts on selecting appropriate barriers for your facility.

Provide Remote Services

Allowing remote work, phone, video, or online services reduces the need for in-person visits. This is especially helpful for employees who enter homes or meet strangers. Virtual services give control over when and where meetings occur. Clients also benefit from the convenience.

Install Alarm Systems

Alarm systems deter potential attackers and speed emergency response. Panic buttons and noise alarms let staff secretly signal for help. Electronic alarms alert monitoring services and trigger automated calls to police. Alarm keypads with delay settings give staff time to disarm before authorities are notified.

Limit Public Access

Reduce public presence to required areas only. Lock unused rooms. Keep client bathrooms separate from employee areas. Have receptionists screen and route visitors. Allow drop-offs and pickups at dedicated entry points. Keep parking and delivery areas separate from employee entries.

Provide Security Escorts

Escorts ensure safety for employees and clients in risky situations like:

• Working in community settings
• Transporting valuables
• Working late when walking to cars
• Entering secure areas
• Responding to unruly persons

Escorts might include security guards, police, volunteers, or designated staff members. Coordinate escorts and logistics in advance.

Control Keys and Access Cards

Track keys and access cards to prevent unauthorized use. Number them for identification. Require employees to sign keys in and out. Report lost or stolen keys/cards immediately. Change codes and locks after compromised keys. Restrict key duplication to authorized personnel only.

Secure Elevators

Elevators create risk when used by both employees and strangers. Make elevators inaccessible except to authorized staff. Require key cards or codes for elevator access. Post signs directing visitors to reception areas. Install emergency call buttons and security cameras inside elevators.

Provide Parking Safety

Parking areas need ample lighting, security cameras, and routine patrols. Assign parking spots close to building entrances for vulnerable staff. Offer escorts for walking to cars after dark. Remind employees to lock cars and conceal valuables. Report suspicious activity immediately.

Limit Cash Transactions

Robbery often targets cash transactions. Reduce cash use and availability through steps like:

• Encourage electronic payments
• Direct cash deposits into drop safes
• Keep small amounts of cash in registers
• Vary bank deposit routes and timing
• Use locked bags and cases for transporting cash

Work with local police to identify any additional robbery precautions.

Provide Emergency Training

Preparedness saves lives in crisis events. Regularly train employees in areas like:

• Self-defense and breakaway techniques
• De-escalating hostile behavior
• Evacuation and sheltering procedures
• Responding to medical emergencies
• Operating alarm and security systems

Drills help reinforce training. Consider annual refresher courses to maintain readiness.

Create Threat Assessment Teams

Multidisciplinary threat assessment teams evaluate risks and develop intervention plans. Include representatives from security, HR, legal, and mental health fields. Define assessment criteria and protocols. Meet regularly and document findings. This proactive approach prevents problems.

Provide Employee Support

Caring programs show employees their wellbeing matters. Useful services include:

• Counseling through employee assistance programs
• Critical incident stress debriefing
• Peer support groups
• Trauma and grief counseling
• Safety buddy systems

Encourage employees to access these resources without fear of judgment.

Assign Safety Personnel

Designate internal staff to coordinate safety efforts. Possible roles include:

• Facility and security managers
• Safety and health committees
• Workplace violence prevention coordinators
• Threat assessment team members
• Employee counselors

Provide adequate authority and resources so these personnel can effectively implement security measures.

Conduct Safety Assessments

Regular safety audits identify risks. Review factors like:

• Access control
• Staffing levels
• Alarm systems
• Lighting
• Visibility
• Previous incidents

Consult security experts to recommend improvements. Make changes to correct any deficiencies.

Install Metal Detectors

Metal detectors screen for weapons and contraband. They can be installed at entrances or access points. Considerations for metal detectors include:

• Hire trained security staff to operate detectors and respond to alarms
• Choose walk-through models that allow efficient screening without slowing movement
• Select detectors with low false alarm rates to minimize disruptions
• Establish search protocols for when detectors alarm
• Allow exemptions for medical devices that may trigger alarms
• Post signage explaining screening requirements
• Integrate detectors with access control systems
• Position detectors to prevent bypassing screening

Metal detectors act as a visible deterrent and screening measure. They are commonly used in government buildings, schools, courts, prisons, airports, and some workplaces.

Conduct Background Checks

Background checks look for potential red flags in a job candidate’s history. Areas typically reviewed include:

• Criminal records – Convictions may indicate propensity for violence.
• Employment – Frequent job changes or unexplained gaps can be concerning.
• Education – Confirming credentials helps identify falsifications.
• Credit and finances – Financial problems may suggest stress or dishonesty.
• Driving records – DUIs, reckless driving, or revocations require further review.
• References – Speaking with previous employers provides insight.

Background checks must comply with federal and state laws. But they are an important screening tool when used ethically. Many violence prevention experts recommend them.