VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE, PART 3
Last week, I was invited to speak to the Sylacauga Rotary Club. When asked about a topic, the decision was made to talk about violence in the workplace. This is a very serious and timely topic, and should be concern to all employers and employees. One area of workplace violence that is often overlooked is bullying. Bullying can be a problem that may start out small, but can escalate into a much bigger problem. WebMD published an article on February 22 entitled "Workplace bullying: How common is it?" The article focused on accusations in England over the treatment by Gordon Brown of his Downing Street staff. Workplace bullying includes arguments, rudeness, exclusion of co-workers and unacceptable criticisms. It may also include cyber-bullying: the use of social networking sites to intimidate, embarrass or otherwise attack co-workers. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service defines bullying as "Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior, involving an abuse or misuse-use of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient". Mind, a mental health charity, lists physical symptoms that can result from workplace bullying, including headaches, sleeplessness, stomach problems, constant tiredness, panic attacks, mood swings, depression and suicidal thoughts. Subjecting employees to these types of symptoms, over time, can lead to physical violence in the workplace.
Practice pointer. Once again, it is important for employers to have proper policies and procedures in place to identify, prevent or react to workplace violence. Training all staff, including supervisors is something that should be done on a regular basis.
ALABAMA SENATE OKS GUNS IN CAR AT WORK. At Sirote's recent seminar on workplace violence, one of the questions asked dealt with the possession of firearms in the workplace. The Alabama Senate has passed a bill, by a vote of 26-2, that would permit employees to keep legal firearms in their vehicles on company premises, so long as they are locked out of sight, such as in the glove compartment or trunk. Electric utilities are exempted under this bill. I will update the status of this bill as it moves through the legislature.
