A worksite analysis involves a step-by-step look at the workplace to find existing or potential hazards for workplace violence. This entails reviewing specific procedures or operations that contribute to hazards and specific areas where hazards may develop.
A threat assessment team, patient assault team, similar task force or coordinator may assess the vulnerability to workplace violence and determine the appropriate preventive actions to be taken. This group may also be responsible for implementing the workplace violence prevention program.
The team should include representatives from:
The team or coordinator can review injury and illness records and workers' compensation claims to identify patterns of assaults that could be prevented by workplace adaptation, procedural changes or employee training. As the team or coordinator identifies appropriate controls, they should be instituted.
The recommended program elements for worksite analysis includes, but is not limited to:
The primary document analyzed during records analysis and tracking is the job hazard analysis (JHA). The JHA focuses on job tasks to identify hazards. Through review of procedures and operations connected to specific tasks or positions to identify if they contribute to hazards related to workplace violence and/or can be modified to reduce the likelihood of violence occurring, the JHA examines the relationship between the employee, the task, tools, and the work environment. Worker participation is an essential component of the analysis. As noted in OSHA's publication on job hazard analyses, priority should be given to specific types of job. For example, priority should be given to:
After an incident or near miss, the analysis should focus on:
Employee questionnaires or surveys are effective ways for employers to identify potential hazards that may lead to violent incidents, identify the types of problems workers face in their daily activities, and assess the effects of changes in work processes.
The initial and periodic review processes should also include feedback and follow-up. The following are sample questions to ask during interviews:
Clients and patients may also have valuable feedback that may enable those being served by the facility to provide useful information to design, implement, and evaluate the program. Clients and patients may be able to participate in identifying triggers to violence, daily activities that may lead to violence, and effective responses.
The team or program coordinator should periodically inspect the workplace and evaluate employee tasks to identify hazards, conditions, operations and situations that could lead to violence.
To find areas requiring further evaluation, the team or coordinator should:
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