SkillSoft Glossary

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aggravating issues: External factors that amplify problems. Aggravating issues, such as stresses outside the workplace, often contribute to acts of workplace violence.
alienation: The state of detaching from other people emotionally. This is one of the personal indicators that someone may become violent in the workplace.
anti-violence policy: A company policy containing guidelines for reporting on, preventing, and responding to violence in the workplace, for all employees and supervisors.
anti-violence program: A company's integrated program for preventing workplace violence. An effective anti-violence policy includes worksite hazards analysis, training, support from top-level management, and effective record-keeping and evaluation.

early warning signs: Signs – including personal indicators and any aggravating issues – that a person in the workplace may become violent. Early warning signs may also be detected in people who fear they may be the targets of workplace violence.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Abbreviated as NIOSH, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH provides guidelines for ensuring safety in the workplace.
NIOSH: See National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Abbreviated as OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration works to ensure the safety and health of workers.
OSHA: See Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

perpetrator: A person who commits an offense, such as an act of workplace violence.
persecution complex: A psychological condition in which a person unreasonably believes that he or she is being targeted for unfair treatment.
personal indicators: Warning signs present in a person's appearance and behavior that the person may become violent.

substance abuse: The excessive use of prescribed or illegal drugs or alcohol.

Type 1 violence: Workplace violence committed during a crime.
Type 2 violence: Workplace violence committed by customers.
Type 3 violence: Workplace violence committed by fellow employees.
Type 4 violence: Workplace violence committed by people with whom employees have relationships outside the workplace.

work ethic: A person's work-related conduct, including his or her reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
workplace violence: Violent acts, including physical assault and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty.