Attainium Business Continuity NewsBriefs

A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study showed that more than half of US companies have experienced workplace violence in some form. According to an American Society of Industrial Security survey the top strategy of respondents (25%) for preventing workplace violence is "employee training." Second place (15%) was "zero tolerance," and third (13%) was controlling access to buildings. The cost of workplace violence is staggering: approximately $36 billion per year, according to the most recent study of the Workplace Violence Research Institute. It can happen where you work -- don't let your organization become part of these statistics� the articles below may help you prevent violence in your workplace.

The most effective workplace violence prevention program begins with a thorough workplace assessment. (Item #1) Pre-employment screening is a must today, but be sure you know what you can and cannot legally do. (Item #2) It may not sound fair, but an employer can be held liable for harm caused by employees. (Item #3)

See what some employers are doing to prevent workplace violence. (Item #4) Sensational multiple killings represent only the smallest percentage of workplace violence. This monograph looks at the entire scope of workplace violence and responding to it. (Item #5) Should you be considering workplace violence insurance? (Item #6)

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at [email protected]

Quote of the Week

"No matter where we work, violence can and sometimes does occur
anywhere, anytime, and sometimes without any prior warning."
- Gary Deckert -

1. What's Growing in the Corporate Culture?
According to the article, most occupational violence experts agree that a successful workplace violence prevention program is largely dependant on the executive committee in charge of developing and managing the program. The article stresses the importance of doing a thorough workplace assessment as a first step.
http://www.workviolence.com/articles/corporate_culture.htm

2. Background Check Precautions for Pre-Employment Screening
Pre-employment screening is a necessary hiring practice for businesses of all sizes to avoid lawsuits and costly hiring mistakes. A simple reference check is no longer sufficient.
http://sbinformation.about.com/od/laborlaws/a/Preemployment.htm

3. Negligent Hiring and Retention: A Legal View
Employers have a duty to exercise reasonable care in hiring and employing individuals and to avoid exposing third parties to an unreasonable risk of injury. Negligent retention, a related theory, is the breach of an employer's duty to be aware of an employee's unfitness and to take corrective action through coaching, reassignment, or termination.
http://www.laborlawyers.com/files/12587_HR%202007%20Neglijent%20Hiring.pdf

5. Workplace Violence
This 80-page FBI monograph looks at the latest thinking and best practices relating to workplace violence. It is designed to serve as a useful and practical guide to businesses, small and large, and to government in implementing a proactive workplace violence prevention strategy.
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/violence.pdf

6. Workplace Violence Insurance
Workplace Violence insurance coverage is protection against the expenses that a company can face resulting from incidents of workplace violence, including the cost to hire independent security consultants and public relations experts, as well as payment of death benefits and business interruption expenses.
http://www.insurecast.com/html/workplace_violence_insurance.asp