Growth. Most organizations strive for it, but when it happens too quickly, unforeseen issues can arise that translate into a higher level of security related risk than the organization might be comfortable with. While most organizations constantly strive for growth and expansion, they need to recognize that with growth come growing pains and a litany of security related issues that may or may not have been factored into the plans of the organization as it continues to deal with day to day business as well as any new problems that a new acquisition might bring.
Workplace violence has grown into perhaps the most significant risk issue facing corporate security departments today. Security professionals have a unique contribution to make in helping the organization to meet its duty of care to anticipate, prevent, respond to and recover from workplace violence incidents. At the outset, corporate security needs to have a place at the strategic planning table.
In July 2010 I wrote about workplace violence within the healthcare industry in this column. The main focus was a document that was published by The Joint Commission titled, “Preventing violence in the health care setting.” I also discussed OSHA document 3148, “Guide for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers and Social Service Workers.” Both documents serve as a guide in the implementation of a workplace violence reduction program. In the column I stressed the need to install physical barriers in order to control access within specific areas of the facility. In addition, I emphasized the need to control visitors into the facility through the use of a visitor management system.
The National Institute for Prevention of Workplace Violence, Inc. has released its 2011 Workplace Violence Fact Sheet.The fact sheet is a repository of information, statistics and charts on workplace violence presented to give Human Resources, Security, Risk Management and Operational Managers the most current information on workplace violence. The National Institute for Prevention of Workplace Violence, Inc. has been at the forefront of reporting information about workplace violence prevention for more than ten years and businesses rely on it to provide thorough, timely and accurate information on workplace violence. This is its second fact sheet on workplace violence.
Violence in the workplace continues to make news headlines and is a growing concern to security, human resources, and management across all industries. Threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, and homicide in the workplace affect two million American workers annually.
A recent study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that verbal aggression, exclusion, bullying and incivility are becoming more frequent in today's workplaces.
Republication and Democratic House members will hold a joint meeting Wednesday to discuss security measures — especially when members are away from Capitol Hill and its 1,800-member police force.