The 44th Annual

Northern Ohio Human Resource Conference (NOHRC)

March 12, 2010

I-X Center • Cleveland, Ohio

Workplace Violence...Predictors, Prevention and Policies

Learning Objectives:                                

• Predicting and preventing workplace violence

• Establishing workplace violence policies

• Securing the workplace

Workplace violence simply defined is violence or the threat of violence against workers. Unfortunately, as we see in the news daily, it has been on an increase. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees nationwide. Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. Workplace violence can strike anywhere, no one is immune and many workers are even at increased risk.

While nothing or no one can guarantee that there will be no workplace violence, there are steps to take to learn how to prevent tragedy and future litigation. Studies have indicated poor supervisory practices are the biggest factor in causation and the average workplace homicide costs the company in excess of $ 800,000 in legal fees and settlements. Recent case law has defined the employer’s responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act impacting everyone facing this issue.  The Workplace Violence Research Institute estimated costs of workplace violence to U.S. businesses at $36 billion per year. These costs include loss of business, loss of productivity, employer paid medical and psychiatric care, costs of physical building repairs and clean up, increased insurance rates, security costs, and the loss of valued employees. Business owners are increasingly being held liable for not making their premises safe for employees and customers. There are many potential areas of workplace violence-related litigation that employers need to take into consideration. These include civil actions for negligent hiring, workers compensation claims, third-party claims for damages, invasion of privacy actions, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation charges. 

This session teaches the behavioral warning signs and the importance of becoming proactive before a workplace violence incidence occurs. Participants will come away with a thorough understanding of workplace violence, warning signs, information on setting policies and establishing workplace violence prevention programs, tips for securing the workplace and much more.

BIO - Timothy Dimoff

Timothy A. Dimoff, Founder and President of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc., is considered one of the nation’s leading authorities in high-risk workplace and human resource issues, security, vulnerability assessments, and crime. He is known as a speaker, trainer, investigator and author and has appeared on national radio and television shows including Dateline, NBC and CNN, and in major newspapers including The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

                                                       
Dimoff’s latest book is Life Rage, a chilling examination of the various societal rages so rampant in today’s society.