2. Workplace Violence
On August 20, 1986, a part-time letter carrier
named Patrick H. Sherrill, facing possible
dismissal after a troubled work history, walked
into the Edmond, Oklahoma, post office, where
he worked and shot 14 people to death before
killing himself.
3. Workplace Violence
In California form 1989 to 1997, there were 15
workplace homicide incidents, six with multiple victims,
that killed 29 people.
In Connecticut four state lottery executives were killed
by a lottery accountant. (3/89)
In Hawaii a Xerox technician killed several coworkers.
(11/99)
In Massachusetts a software engineer killed seven
coworkers. (12/2000)
4. Workplace Violence
In Illinois a former forklift driver killed four
current workers at the Navistar plant. (2/2001)
In New York three coworkers were killed by an
insurance executive. (9/2002)
In Missouri three workers were killed by a
coworker. (7/2003)
In Mississippi six aircraft plants workers were
killed by a coworker. (7/2003)
7. Average Annual Number Incidents
by Type of Crime 1993-1999
Homicide 900 0.1%
Sexual Assault 36,500 2.1%
Robbery 70,100 4.0%
Aggravated Assault 325,000 18.6%
Simple Assault 1,311,700 75.2%
8. Workplace Violence
It is rare for someone to just “snap” and go on a
killing rampage.
There are usually warning sings. The warning
signs include threats both overt and covert.
9. What is a Threat?
An expression of an intention to inflict
something harmful.
An indication of impending danger or harm.
One regarded as a possible danger.
14. Threat Assessment
Company Environment
Blue Collar vs. White Collar
Previous History of Violence at Company
Ongoing Union Disputes
Changes in Leadership or Management
Potential Closing or Down Sizing
15. Threat Assessment
Talk To Others
If no one is willing to talk -- Bad Sign
May mean that everyone is afraid of him -- or he
may just be aloof.
16. Threat Assessment
Written Incident Report Is Very Important
Without a written report--you must confront the
employee with hearsay evidence.
17. Threat Assessment
How does the employee react to the allegations?
1. He may betray his anger and make further
threats.
2. He may be accepting of his actions.
Acceptance has a better prognosis.
18. Risk Factors for Violence
What is the sex of the person making the threat?
Most workplace violence is committed by men.
19. Risk Factors for Violence
Is there a past history of violence?
Prior criminal acts
Motor vehicle infractions
Spouse or child abuse
Bad Temper (prone to property destruction)
20. Risk Factors for Violence
Is there an identified victim?
If the threat is directed at a specific person, it is
much more ominous.
21. Risk Factors for Violence
Does the employee have access to weapons?
Recent acquisitions or preoccupation with
weapons is much more worrisome.
Long term ownership is less problematic.
22. Risk Factors for Violence
Does the employee use alcohol or other drugs?
The issue here is the affect of alcohol on the
employee.
1. Reduces inhibitions
2. Increases impulsitivity
23. Risk Factors for Violence
“of all the many variables that are being studies
in models for the prediction of violence,
substance abuse emerges as the most
significant factor.”
24. Risk Factors for Violence
Does the employee have a psychiatric illness?
Paranoid delusions or command hallucinations
constitute a distinct risk.
25. Risk Factors for Violence
Does the employee have a social network to look
to for assistance?
Social isolation and recent loss are significant
risk factors.
26. Risk Factors for Violence
Violence rarely occurs without a recent loss
Loss of job, promotion, grievance
Loss of spouse or other family difficulties
27. Risk Factors for Violence
Has the employee contacted the EAP and
complied with their recommendations?
An employee that uses the EAP to work through
problems and who follows their
recommendations is of a lesser risk than
someone who refuses help.
28. Risk Factors for Violence
Are there other subjective factors?
Some people may evoke fear in people across
different segments of the company (security,
management, coworkers, and supervisors).
When an employee upsets everybody
Take Heed!!
30. Typical Call
“we have an employee we are worried about”
Or
“one of our employees just made a threat!”
You may have a duty to inform the potential
victim.
31. Early Intervention
A useful but non-intuitive intervention is to
confront the employee who made the threat
and relate how their actions have affected
others.
32. Early Intervention
Many employees, when confronted, are surprised
by the allegations and seek to reassure the
employer that they mean no harm.
33. Early Intervention
When you talk to an employee -- Listen!
Employees who feel that they are not being
heard sufficiently will escalate their anger.
35. Fitness For Duty Evaluation
Employee should be told that an independent
clinician has been retained to assess the
incident and that confidentially can not be
guaranteed.
The employee should sign a release to that
effect.
36. Fitness For Duty Evaluation
A determination will be made as to whether the
employee may return to work and if so under
what conditions, or whether he represents such
a threat that he can not go back to work.
It is rare to find an employee that requires
emergency psychiatric evaluation or police
intervention.
37. Fitness For Duty Evaluation
Usually a risk rating is given to the employer.
Low risk
Counseling
EAP
High risk
Police intervention and an emergency petition
can be filled. Usually reserved for psychiatric
conditions.
Does not return to work.
39. Thank You
Bradley D Hyde
bhyde@suddenlink.net
Delta Medical Center of Memphis
Hinweis der Redaktion
Though the most deadly, the Edmond tragedy was not the first episode of its kind in this period. In just the previous three years, four postal employees were killed by present or former coworkers in separate shootings in Johnston, South Carolina; Aniston, Alabama; and Atlanta Georgia. The shock of the Edmond killings raised public awareness to the kind of incident now most commonly associated with the phrase “workplace violence”—murder or other violent acts by a disturbed, aggrieved employee or ex-employee against coworkers or supervisors. The term “going postal” was born and has become synonymous with this type of violence.
Workplace violence also includes school shootings. Columbine; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and most recently Minnesota. Mass murders in the workplace by unstable employees have become media-intensive events. However, contrary to popular belief, sensational multiple homicides represent a very small number of work place violence incidents.
The majority of incidents that employees and managers have to deal with on a daily basis are lesser cases of assaults, domestic violence, stalking, threats, harassment, and physical and emotional abuse that make no headlines.