Avoiding violence in the workplace has become a day-to-day business concern. Factors such as stress, job insecurity, corporate downsizing, personal financial problems, substance abuse, etc. are just a few of the trigger mechanisms that may lead to workplace violence.

The best method of avoidance is improved pre-employed screening. In other words, companies can strengthen their hiring practices or procedures with a more extensive pre-hiring investigation. Obtaining investigation waivers and/or releases from an applicant will enable employers to gather far more information needed for effective reference and background checks. Without this useful information, an employer cannot make an informed decision about a potential employee's predisposition for violence.

A thorough pre-employment investigation also provides a secondary benefit. If, not withstanding this increased effort, an employer still suffers an act of violence in the workplace, it may well have substantially reduced the company's potential liability on claim of negligent hiring by the victim.

Developing a strong company policy against harassment and violence in the workplace is another important precautionary measure to be taken. Strict and consistent enforcement of zero tolerance policies will help deter anti-social behavior and demonstrate a company's strong desire to eliminate the risk of worker violence.

In this specific area, Gettier Security Experts are specially trained to identify potential problems with specific personnel and establish contingency planning, crisis management teams and perform in-depth security audits.

For more information on how your company can avoid workplace violence, contact our human resources consulting department.