COURSE 720: PREVENTING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to the course. If you are a safety manager, supervisor, committee member, or someone who is entering into the occupational safety and health field, this course will help you understand your important responsibilities.

Here's how it works (Read this... it's important!)

1. Study each course module. Just click on the course "Modules" tab above to get started. It take about 30 minutes to one hour to complete each module, including the quiz.
2. Complete each module quiz. Each quiz is 5-10 questions. When you submit the quiz, a new web page will load with instant feedback on your answers. After you complete the quiz, start on the next module. There is no need to wait! No hurry either. You are in control of the pace of learning.

If you have questions as you study, just send us an email.

3. Order a certificate.***Optional*** If you want certification of training, order a certificate. The fee is only $11.95 for a emailed PDF certificate or $20 plus shipping plus shipping for a mailed original certificate. The fee covers my exam review, course certificate preparation, and maintenance of your student records.

   Go to the OSHAcademy Store to pay for the course certificate. Tip: You will save up to 50% in course fees if you enroll in a Professional Development Certificate Program.

4. Complete and submit the final course exam.
• Final exams consist of 20 questions.
• To meet OSHA requirements, you must pass the final exam with at least a 80% score.
• If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam.
• If you pass the exam, you may not retake the exam just to raise your score.
• Most final exam questions are derived from module quizzes.

OK, Let's go!

Have fun and study hard. To start, just click on "Introduction" above.

This course provides you with recommendations on steps to consider in developing a workplace violence prevention program to reduce the hazards of workplace violence. These are guidelines only. Safety Insight does not intend to create rules specific to violence in the workplace. While not every suggestion may be appropriate for all organizations, these recommendations provide an excellent means for quickly assessing the state of an organization's current policies and practices.

Workplace violence - A preventive approach

Across the nation, violence in the workplace is emerging as a significant occupational hazard. All too frequently, employees become victims of violent acts that result in substantial physical or emotional harm. For injured or threatened employees, workplace violence can lead to medical treatment, missed work, lost wages, and decreased productivity.

For many occupations, workplace violence represents a serious occupational risk. Violence at work can take many forms: harassment, intimidation, threats, theft, stalking, assault, arson, sabotage, bombing, hostage-taking, kidnapping, extortion, suicide, and homicide. Homicide is the second leading cause of all job-related deaths and the leading cause of such deaths for women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (1994). For each murder, there are countless other incidents of workplace violence in which victims are threatened or injured.

The Law

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe and healthful working environment for all workers covered by the OSH Act of 1970. Failure to implement the suggestions mentioned in this document is not in itself a violation of the General Duty Clause. If there is a recognized violence hazard in the workplace and employers do not take feasible steps to prevent or abate it, employers can be cited.

The Importance of Planning

The central theme which emerges from the shared experience of these specialists from different disciplines is this: While some cases of workplace violence can be dealt with swiftly and easily by a manager with the assistance of just one specialist or one department. Most cases can be resolved far more easily and effectively if there is a joint effort which has been planned out in advance by specialists from different disciplines.

Be prepared

Many who have never experienced workplace violence think, "I don't need to worry about this" or "It would never happen in my department." Violent incidents are relatively rare, but they do occur, and lives can be lost. A little preparation and investment in prevention now could save a life. There is no strategy that works for every situation, but the likelihood of a successful resolution is much greater if you have prepared ahead of time. This course is designed to help you do that: Be prepared for violence in the workplace.

Employers can take several steps to reduce the risk of legal liability. For example, they can implement careful hiring, employee evaluation and discipline procedures, and adopt appropriate workplace security procedures; and adopt appropriate workplace security procedures. However, employers must be careful not to violate laws protecting employee privacy rights, civil rights, or rights created by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers conducting workplace violence risk assessments may want to consult with legal counsel.

The benefits of a joint effort

The experience of companies who have developed programs has shown that managers are more willing to confront employees who exhibit disruptive and intimidating behavior when they are supported by a group of specialists who have done their homework and are prepared to reach out to others when they know a situation is beyond their expertise. This team approach promotes creative solutions and much needed support for the manager in dealing with difficult situations that might otherwise be ignored.

Go to the first module!

To begin your online study, just click on the "Modules" link above. To study off-line, click on the "Study Guide" link above and download the PDF study guide. Download Adobe Reader to open the study guide. The study guide is for your personal use only.

To begin your training, just click on the module links below.

COURSE 720 FINAL EXAM

This is an open book exam. That means you may search high and low throughout the course material for the answers to this final exam. To receive a certificate, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher.

If you are enrolled in a Certificate Program

We have a "don't pay until you pass" option! You may wait until you have completed all course exams before paying the one-time program certificate fee. Your exam will be placed in our archives folder for one year. If you have not paid the administrative fee after one year, you will be required to retake the exam. Let the instructor know when you have completed the last course in your program.

If you are not enrolled

You may pay for a course certificate before or after you complete the exam. No worries. If you don't pass the exam, you are welcome to retake the exam until you pass for no additional charge. If you want to save money on fees, think about enrolling in a Certificate Program. You may enroll in a program at any time.

If you only want free training

We will save your exam in archives for one year. If you change your mind and want a certificate later, just pay the certificate fee and we will score your exam at that time.

Course Study Guide. Use it for studying off-line and creating a reference binder.