Workplace Violence
University of California
Office of the President
What Is Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence is any physical
assault, threatening behavior, or verbal
abuse occurring in the work setting
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Workplace Violence


4th Leading
Cause of
Workplace
Fatalities - 551
in 2004
OSHA
Estimates 2
Million People
are Victims of
Workplace
Violence Every
Year
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Types of Workplace Violence

Based on Perpetrator’s Relationship to the
Victim(s) and/or Place of Employment
Type I – Criminal Intent
 Type II – Customer or Client
 Type III – Worker-on-Worker
 Type IV – Personal Relationship

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Workplace Violence Guidelines

UCOP Commitment
Safe Workplace
 Free From Threats & Acts of Intimidation & Violence


Prohibit Threats/Acts of Violence
Zero Tolerance
 Disciplinary/Corrective Action/Possible Dismissal



UC Personnel Policies & Collective Bargaining Agreements
Certain Acts – Violation of Law
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UCOP Threat Management Team

Team From Several Disciplines


Resource for Supervisors & Dept. Managers



Expertise/Training in Managing Workplace Violence
Assesses Potential or Actual Threats of Violence
Team Convenes – Department Needs Assistance
or Counsel
Written Workplace Violence Prevention and
Threat Management Team Guidelines
Threat
Management
Team
Guidelines
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UCOP Threat Management Team

Employee & Labor
Relations




Jude Sharp 7-0839

Simao Avila 7-9800
UC Berkeley Police

Facilities Management

Office of General
Counsel
E. Rene Jackson 7-0879
Employee Assistance
Coordinator



Officer William Kasiske
642-1606
Strategic Communications
Michael Keleman 7-0763

Paul Swartz 7-9924
OGC
Facilities Administration
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Strategic
Communications
Definitions
Intimidation
 Threat of Violence
 Act of Violence
 Workplace

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Responsibilities

UCOP Community

Considerate & Respectful to:


Co-Workers, Visitors, & the Public
Do Not Engage in Disruptive Behavior, Including:
Profanity, Obscenities, or Obscene Gestures
 Exhibiting Abusive Conduct


UCOP Employee
Subject to or Witness
 Immediately Report to Next in Line Supervisor (Not A
Party to the Act/Incident)


Emergency or Criminal Conduct – Immediately
Report to Supervisor/Manager
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Supervisor/Manager
Responsibilities

Observe and/or Receive Report
Investigate
 Corrective Measures (When Appropriate)
 Consult Human Resources

May Review & Further Investigate
 May Consult UCOP Threat Management Team

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Warning Signs






Erratic Work Patterns
Decline in Productivity
Substandard Work
Relationships
Continual Excuses and
Blame
Concentration
Problems
Attendance Problems





Safety & Health
Issues
Careless Health &
Hygiene
Evidence of Serious
Stress in Personal Life
Unusual or Changed
Behavior
Depression
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Steps to Take
Do:
 Remain Calm
 Show Respect
 Focus on Problem
 Alert Co-Workers
 Report the Incident
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Steps Not to Take
Don’t:
 Argue or Raise Your Voice
 Mimic an Angry Person’s Behavior
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Guidelines for Immediate Threat



Immediate Threat - Call 9-911
Emergencies, Perceived Emergencies, or
Suspected Criminal Conduct - Immediately
Report to Supervisor/Manager
Supervisor/Manager – Contact Threat
Management Team Who May Contact:
Oakland Police Department
 UC Berkeley Police Department
 Facilities Management/Security

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Key Points to Remember



Workplace violence can take many forms and
has numerous causes
Keep alert to signs of potential violence and
take immediate action when you recognize them
Make sure to follow security procedures and
encourage employees to do likewise
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