Workplace Violence

Summary

To ensure a safe workplace and to reduce the risk of violence, all employees should review and understand all provisions of workplace violence guidelines.

Procedures

Prohibited Conduct

Delta College does not tolerate any type of workplace violence committed by or against employees. Employees are prohibited from making threats or engaging in violent activities.

This list of behaviors, while not inclusive, provides examples of conduct that is prohibited.

• • Causing physical injury to another person;
  • Threats of violence;
  • Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress;
  • Intentionally damaging employer property or property of another employee;
  • Possession of a weapon while on company property or while on company business;
  • Committing acts motivated by, or related to, sexual harassment or domestic violence.

Reporting procedures

Any potentially dangerous situations must be reported immediately to Public Safety, a supervisor or the Human Resource Department.  Reports or incidents warranting confidentiality will be handled according to college procedures and information will be disclosed to others only on a need-to-know basis.

Risk reduction measures

Hiring:  The Human Resource Department takes reasonable measures to conduct background investigations to review candidates’ backgrounds and reduce the risk of hiring individuals with a history of violent behavior.

Safety:  Delta College Public Safety and other appropriate offices monitor the premises to evaluate and determine any vulnerability to workplace violence or hazards. Any necessary corrective action will be taken to reduce all risks.

Individual Situations:  While we do not expect employees to be skilled at identifying potentially dangerous persons, employees are expected to exercise good judgment and to inform Public Safety and the Human Resource Department if any employee exhibits behavior which could be a sign of a potentially dangerous situation. Such behavior includes but may not be limited to:

• • Discussing weapons or bringing them to the workplace;
  • Displaying overt signs of extreme stress, resentment, hostility, or anger;
  • Making threatening remarks;
  • Sudden or significant deterioration of performance;
  • Displaying irrational behavior.

The College has procedures for emergencies and emergency responses that all employees should be familiar with and follow as appropriate.  Contact the Human Resources Office, Public Safety for information as needed.

Dangerous/emergency situations

Employees who confront or encounter an armed or dangerous person should not attempt to challenge or disarm the individual. Contact Public Safety at extension 9111.

Enforcement

Threats, threatening conduct, or any other acts of aggression or violence in the workplace will not be tolerated. Any employee determined to have committed such acts will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.  Non-employees engaged in violent acts on the employer’s premises will be reported to the proper authorities.

Revision/review dates
1/11, 9/17