Hello everyone,
For me, workplace violence is a complex issue, and addressing it effectively requires understanding its deep-seated causes and its broader impact.
Workplace violence arise from a combination of individual, organizational, and social factors. On a construction site, these factors are often amplified by fluctuating project conditions and high-pressure environments.
Organizational Factors such as ineffective leadership, lack of training, and tolerance of disrespectful behavior. lack of reporting mechanisms, no security, or poor lighting. understaffing, unrealistic deadlines, or job insecurity.
Environmental Factors such as Working alone, in high-crime areas, or handling cash/valuables, and interacting with unpredictable or distressed individuals.
Individual Factors such as financial stress, substance abuse, untreated mental health conditions, or poor conflict resolution skills, past grievances, bullying, or a perceived sense of unfairness.
Some control measures can be implemented such as:
1. Establish a Strong Policy and Culture- Zero Tolerance Policy, Commitment from Leadership, and Reporting Mechanisms.
2. Carrying out Risk Assessment and Environmental Controls- Site-Specific Workplace Violence Risk Assessment and Improve Environmental Design and Engineering
3. Enhancing Training and Interpersonal Skills- Provide regular, mandatory training for all employees, Recognize that personal stress is a root cause.
4. Post-Incident Response- Systematically investigate every incident, including near-misses, to identify and address the true root cause, not just the immediate trigger and provide immediate medical, psychological, and security support to any employee involved in a violent incident.