Workplace violence

Workplace violence is described as "Any threat of physical aggression by an individual that occurs at a work site."¹ Its intended target may be a other individual(s) or an object. Examples of threats of workplace violence include death threats, threat of assault with a weapon, threat of rape, threat of aggravated assault, threat of assault under the guise of an accident, threat of hostage taking, and threat of destruction of property.

As of July 1, 1995, all on-duty personnel in or of Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Children's Hospital, or Community Medical Center, are required to report to the department of security within 48 hours of their occurrence, acts of aggression or violence where a weapon is used or where the act results in injury.²

In order for you to reduce your security risks associated with workplace violence, it is important to know the warning signs. Remember, not all warning signs will be exhibited by an at-risk employee.

• Most offenders are male between 35 and 55 years old.
• There is usually a mid-life transition (divorce, layoff).
• They are generally dissatisfied with life.
• They are usually a loner who has no support structure and has low self-esteem.
• There is a history of being disgruntled and tends to project his/her shortcomings onto others.
• They often intimidate supervisors and coworkers.
• They feel persecuted and view efforts to help with suspicion.
• They may watch others for work rule violations and keep records.
• They are probably interested in weapons and may be a collector or a marksman.
• Most offenders do not have a prior criminal record.
• They repeatedly violate company policy.
• They usually show a strong hostile reaction to any new company policy.
• They possess a paranoid attitude and seem to have a plan that will solve everything.
• There have been changes in his/her attendance pattern.
• They generally put everything in their life in order (in case he/she commits suicide).
• They are more accident prone.
• There is a change for the worse in personal hygiene.
• There is an increase in alcohol use or evidence of drug use.

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