Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is violence or the threat of
violence against workers. It may range from threats and verbal abuse
to physical assaults and even homicides. |
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Potential Hazard
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. A (1992-1997)
Bureau of Labor Statistics study of all workplaces, indicates that 20 percent of overall youth workplace injuries are attributed to assaults or violent acts.
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Avoid over-reaching across tables or booths. |
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
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- Keep the cash register closed when not in use.
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Keep cash register in line of sight of other employees.
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Do not count cash in front of customers.
- Help establish and follow lock-up
procedures such as all employees should leave the workplace at the same time.
- Know how to report and log
incidents of threats or violence.
- Use the safety plan when
dealing with unsatisfied customers, robbery, or theft.
- Keep the back doors locked
unless you are receiving a delivery.
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Workplace violence
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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.
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Follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) including:
For more information see Resources - Child Labor Laws.
Follow OSHA's Standards including:
- Provide for exit route doors from the inside of a building at all times without
keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a
panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on
exit discharge doors. See OSHA Design and Construction
Standard requirements for exit
routes [1910.36(d)].
Consider implementing recommended safe work
practices, including:
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- Design and implement a violence prevention program,
specific for your establishment. The plan should indicate how
employees should notify local law enforcement agencies in case
of an emergency.
- Contact your local Police
Department for safety tips.
- Train employees to follow the safety plan when dealing
with unsatisfied customers, or an emergency such as a robbery or theft.
- Instruct employees in reporting and logging incidents of
threats or violence.
- Post signs saying, "No more than $30
in cash register at all times." Limit available cash on
hand to discourage theft.
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Door sign
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- Install a panic button under the counter to quickly notify the police in case of a robbery.
- Increase workplace security by installing video
surveillance, extra lighting around dimly lit areas (such as trash
dumpsters and parking lots), alarm systems, door detectors, or
bullet-resistant barriers where appropriate.
- Install height markers to help
employees identify the height of suspects.
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Video surveillance |
- Use the "buddy system" when jobs require employees to be outside after dark. Also, provide an escort for anyone who has a shift that ends late and must walk through a dark parking lot to their vehicle.
- Assess staffing needs at high-risk
areas and times.
- Install drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand.
- Keep the back doors locked and set regular times for
deliveries. Use panic bars on exit doors so they can be locked
but employees can safety exit if they need to.
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Additional Resources
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Go on to Serving Module - Cuts/Knives |
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