Workplace violence is an ongoing battle faced by human resources, management and law enforcement around the world and yearly, tons of people lose their life to it. One of the most effective ways of preventing workplace violence incidents is taking not of the signs of a possible violent outburst and acting on it.
Below is a list of signs or situations human resource and security operatives should look out for as possible signs of a violent person.
Some warning signs of possible workplace violence by an employee (these signs should be monitored over a period of time and not one off situations, as mood swings may lead to some).
- Bullying: bullying between fellow employees may be difficult to observe, it is therefore important to look out for rumours and persons employees fear or purposely avoid being in the same space with.
- Cruelty to Animals : like bullying, this is difficult to observe and the chances of it going unnoticed is even higher, as employees do not bring their animals to the office. However, where there are signs of hate and cruelty to animals by an employee, there is an increased chance such a person a person is violent to human beings.
- Disciplinary Issues: is an employee is constantly having misunderstanding with other employees, breaking policies and rules of engagement, there is a possibility for violence to eventually occur.
- Domestic Violence (DV): domestic violence many times spills over to workplace, as the perpetuator does not feel violence is something that is wrong and discouraged. Thus, any employee known to perpetuate domestic violence must be thoroughly watched to avoid a spillage of such negative attitude at the work place.
- Drug & Alcohol Abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse cloud a person’s sense of reasoning, judgment and rational thought which can easily lead to violence.it is important to look out for persons who are drug while on duty. Fascination with “NEW” Weapons and agents of destruction: where there is an above ordinary interest in weapons and other things which may be used to destroy, it is important to closely watch such a person, as a possible perpetuator of violent crime.
- Open talk of dark and agonising topics
- Obsession with Military & Police Tactics, operations and plans
- Uncontrollable Anger
- Inconsistent work habits/ethics & decreased productivity
- Obsession with past mass shootings & celebration of the perpetrators
- Acquisition of New religious or political fervour
- Unshakeable depression
- Poor interpersonal relationships skills
- Constant lateness or absence
