PowerPoint Presentation

Tips to help avoid workplace violence.

HOW TODE-ESCALATEA THREATENINGSITUATION

THE STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES:

FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS

Workplace violence homicides have ranked among the TOP 4 causes of occupational fatalities.Bureau of Labor Statistics

15 years.

What else?

Nearly TWO MILLION American workers are victims of workplace violence each year.Occupational Health and Safety Administration

THATS 5500 VIOLENT INCIDENTS EACH DAY.

APRIL IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.

Sad that workplace violence is so prevalent that there is an entire month dedicated to the topic.

Nonetheless, workplace violence should always be top of mind and an area of focus for all of us.

Sometimes workplace violence can be avoided. Learn tips for doing so.4

YOULL NEED THREE COMPONENTS:

RECOGNITIONNONVERBALDE-ESCALATIONVERBALDE-ESCALATION

RECOGNITION:Knowing the signs of a potentially dangerous situation

Here are some of the tell-tale signs that someone is agitated and that the situation may become dangerous.

RECOGNITIONPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

RECOGNITIONShaking(physiological- i.e. shaking hands)

RECOGNITIONHeavy breathing

RECOGNITIONMuscle tensing

RECOGNITIONFlushed Skin

RECOGNITIONBEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

RECOGNITIONFlushed Skin

RECOGNITIONShaking(behavior- i.e. shaking of head, foot, finger, etc.)

RECOGNITIONSudden, unpredictable movements

RECOGNITIONArguing

RECOGNITIONRaised voice

RECOGNITIONFixed stare

RECOGNITIONScanning of the area for doors and/or weapons

* Of course, we must always consider these items within context.

Example: just because someone is breathing heavy or has flushed skin does not mean that they are agitated. It could also mean that the person just finished a good workout! This is when you must use context to assess the situation.

More Recognition Tips with Specifics

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION:Communicate to gain an understanding

In order to diffuse a potentially violent situation, issues must be communicated and understood. Consider the following:

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONPractice active listening- clarify and paraphrase.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONPractice active listening- clarify and paraphrase.This sets a respectful tone and shows the person that you want to understand their problem.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONFocus on feelings rather than facts.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONFocus on feelings rather than facts.You may not always be able to change a fact/occurrence that made someone angry, but you can communicate to change how they feel about it.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONAllow for pauses to reflect.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONAllow for pauses to reflect.This lets both you and the other individual process your feelings and avoid any rash reactions.

More Verbal Tips with Specifics

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION:Use body language to diminish threats

You can use more than just your words to influence the way that someone behaves toward you. See the following:

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONConsider your stance.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONConsider your stance.Stand so that the individual knows that you are open to them without seeming threatening.(i.e.: No crossed arms!)

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONKeep your tone of voice appropriate.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONKeep your tone of voice appropriate.Try to speak softly (especially if they have raised their own voice) while maintaining a tone of authority so you can bring them back to your level.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONKeep your tone of voice appropriate.Pace of voice can matter too. Speaking too quickly may further agitate the individual.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONMaintain control of your facial expressions.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATIONMaintain control of your facial expressions.Maintaining eye contact, nodding and raising eyebrows when appropriate can all convey understanding and empathy.

More Nonverbal Tips with Specifics

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Our free guide offers additional tips to this presentations info along with more specifics, including using your surrounding area to your advantage and steps to take if a situation moves past the point of de-escalation.

Download Now

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