Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence, against workers. It can
range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicides
from behaviors initiated by customers, other employees, and employers.
|
|
Potential Hazard
 |
Remember:
Child Labor Laws restrict the hours and times teens under the age of 18 can work. |
Many workplaces, like restaurants,
can be a target for workplace violence because of the presence of cash, the late work hours and contact
with the public. Teens may also be exposed to workplace violence in
restaurant drive-thru windows. In addition, sometimes the drive-thru is located in a structure removed from the main restaurant, isolating the teen
from the support of fellow workers.
|
 |
Possible Solutions
|
|
Employers have the primary
responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their
workers. Employees are responsible for following the safe work
practices of their employers.
|
|
- Use drop-boxes if available to deliver food to customers, especially late
at night.
- Keep the back door locked unless
receiving deliveries.
|
|
|
|
Employers have the primary
responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their
workers. Employees are responsible for following the safe work
practices of their employers.
- Follow child labor laws or
state laws if they are more stringent
that forbid young workers (younger than 16 years old) from working
after 7 p.m., except from June 1st though Labor Day, when
evening hours are extended to 9 p.m. Do not leave
young teens alone late at night to lockup.
|
|
Consider implementing recommended safe work practices, including:
- Install bulletproof glass
and limited
access barriers for drive-thru windows.
- Increase workplace security by installing video surveillance, alarm systems, and door detectors.
- Increase lighting in dimly lit
areas such as parking lots and around trash dumpsters.
- Locate drive-thru windows within the same building as the
restaurant, rather than in the parking lot by
itself.
|
|
 For more information see: Serving - Workplace
Violence Module.
|
|
Additional Resources
|
|
