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Workplace violence is a serious health and safety issue. The issue is so serious that the federal government considers workplace violence to be a hazard. According to OSHA, homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. Churches and other nonprofits are not immune.
There has been a rise in assaults committed by recipients of services against the very individuals who provided the charitable services to the aggressor. (California OSHA Guidelines for Workplace Security.) Self-employed persons are at significant risk of workplace violence. At higher risk are those that work alone or in small groups, at late night or early morning, or in high-crime areas, and workers who have extensive contact with the public [OSHA Fact Sheet]
Whether the risk of workplace violence comes from the public, a volunteer or a fellow employee, staff deserve a safe workplace free from violence. In fact, it is the employer's legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees. (California Labor Code section 6400.)
There has been a rise in assaults committed by recipients of services against the very individuals who provided the charitable services to the aggressor. (California OSHA Guidelines for Workplace Security.) Self-employed persons are at significant risk of workplace violence. At higher risk are those that work alone or in small groups, at late night or early morning, or in high-crime areas, and workers who have extensive contact with the public [OSHA Fact Sheet]
Whether the risk of workplace violence comes from the public, a volunteer or a fellow employee, staff deserve a safe workplace free from violence. In fact, it is the employer's legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees. (California Labor Code section 6400.)
OSHA recommends that every employer have a zero tolerance policy, a workplace violence prevention program with information incorporated into an accident prevention program, employee handbook or procedures manual. [OSHA Fact Sheet.]
"Every employer should perform an initial assessment to identify workplace security factors which have been shown to contribute to the risk of violence in the workplace. . . The cornerstone of an effective workplace security plan is appropriate training of all employees, supervisors and managers." [Cal/OSHA Guidelines for Workplace Security]