Employers' Responsibility for Workplace Violence

Question 1 

Employers have the responsibility of cultivating a culture of inclusivity, tolerance to diversity and peaceful coexistence. An organizational culture that is intolerant to bigotry of any kind prevents workplace violence (D’Ettorre et al ., 2018). Additionally, employers are bound to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which ensures employees are protected from any recognizable hazards that can cause harm. Lastly, employers should conduct background checks on all prospective employees to exclude those with histories of violence. 

Question 2 

Employees have the responsibility of taking all workplace violence seriously by reporting them to the authorities so that perpetrators are brought to book. Employees are also bound to treat their colleagues with dignity and respect and desist from any forms of verbal or nonverbal abuse that can trigger workplace violence (D’Ettorre et al ., 2018). Lastly, employees should cooperate with the management by fully complying with OSHA laws and other regulations against workplace violence. 

Question 3 

The indicators of a workplace violator include pushing the limits of socially or morally acceptable behavior by caring less about the safety and welfare of others. For instance, if the individual bullies others or throws unnecessary temper tantrums, he could be a violator. Secondly, disrespect to authority, laws or regulations at the workplace could indicate that one is a violator (Arnetz et al ., 2018). Lastly, if an individual apportions blame to others, or incessantly complains of unfair treatment, they could be a violator. 

Question 4 

When I hear gunshots, the first step would be to assume that there is an active shooter inside or around the cafeteria and then get down on the floor to take cover from potential stray bullets. While on the floor, I would try to watch out for the shooter or direction of the gunshots. I would then run in the opposite direction of the gunshots to avoid getting shot. 

References 

Arnetz, J., Hamblin, L. E., Sudan, S., & Arnetz, B. (2018). Organizational determinants of workplace violence against hospital workers.  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ,  60 (8), 693–699. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001345 

D'Ettorre, G., Pellicani, V., Mazzotta, M., & Vullo, A. (2018). Preventing and managing workplace violence against healthcare workers in emergency departments.  Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis ,  89 (4-S), 28–36. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v89i4-S.7113