Workplace Violence In The Workplace Essay

Violence in the workplace has increased and is emerging as a major health concern. According to Blais and Hayes (2016), workplace violence may consist of a violent act or the threat of violence against workers and can consist of physical assault and homicide, as well as threats and verbal abuse. The Joint Commission has reported an increase of nearly three times as many incidences of workplace violence in the past five years. The acts of violence are usually committed by disgruntled customers or clients and disgruntled employees. After reading the assigned articles, education and training is needed to prepare for the possibility of active shootings in an organization as well as the increased risk of terrorism.
Similarities and Differences All of the articles provided real scenarios and situations of active shootings …show more content…
Each year I am required to complete on line educational classes as part of my annual evaluation that include workplace violence and the possibility of an active shooter. The organization has a large onsite hospital police department with police being very visible and active with the involvement of disgruntled patients or family members and facility security. In the past two years this department has grown and continues to grow with the increase issues with workplace violence. I was surprised to learn that police hired by the hospital have the same privileges as city and state police and have the ability to enforce all laws; I guess I always considered them more in the role of a “security guard” not an actual police officer. I am not sure if the hospital actually practices active shooter drills but see how this could be beneficial in helping staff prepare. I don’t necessarily agree with using live gunfire for the simple fact this could cause hysteria and chaos for visitors and other staff members that may not be aware of the