Purpose: Use this job aid as a quick reference to help you recognize potentially violent people and situations.
Being able to recognize the early warning signs of violent behavior enables managers to intervene and provide alternative solutions before violence occurs or escalates. It also enables employees to recognize situations that should be brought to managers' attention.
Workplace violence usually doesn't just occur – there are almost always warning signs that come from personal indicators and aggravating issues. If these signs go unnoticed, violent behavior may escalate through three stages – early warning signs, intensification, and open aggression.
| Stage 1 | During Stage 1, the perpetrator may dehumanize colleagues, show a lack of respect for authority, disregard rules, or become alienated. |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 | During Stage 2, the perpetrator may begin to lose control, no longer try to mask aggression, display contempt for the company or colleagues, or begin stealing. |
| Stage 3 | During Stage 3, the perpetrator may carry out threats and become openly aggressive. The perpetrator may threaten or assault colleagues. |
| Personal Indicators | Aggravating Issues |
|---|---|
| A history of violence | Issues at home with relationships and money |
| Psychological deterioration and depression | Issues with employment, including demotion, retrenchment, and termination of service |
| Alienation of coworkers and friends | Issues with managers and coworkers |
| Evidence of a persecution complex | Issues of crime that are not related to people's jobs |
| Poor personal hygiene | |
| A negative change in personality | |
| An unhealthy fascination with weapons | |
| Substance abuse | |
| A poor work ethic |
Workplace violence and threatening behavior affect everybody. When workers are intimidated, they may be less productive, suffer anxiety, and lose trust in their employers. Workplace violence can take many forms and can occur in a wide range of different circumstances.
Course: Bullying and Violence in the Workplace
Topic: Recognizing Early Warning Signs
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