Thursday, Dec 1, 2016

Good morning everybody,

Yesterday, we talked about domestic violence and violence against women. Today, I want you to think about violence and harassment in workplace. Skim through this link and then answer the following tasks.

Task 1:

Think of a definition of violence in workplace. Does violence occur in workplace? Does it always have to be from your boss? How can you describe it? How does it happen? Why do you think it happen?

I believe that violence occurs in workplace and it doesn't always come from my boss. I describe it as the deadly poison and it spoils the normal relationship between the coworkers. It happens in the workplace because there are some kind of rules in workplace. If the new comer does not obey these rules, he will definitely be punished by the others.

Task 2:

List four or more things, actions, attitude, or behaviours that can be considered violence at workplace.

There are four actions can be considered violence at workplace. First one is threatening behavior such as: shaking the fist. The second one is verbal abuse just like call your name. The third one is harassment including sex harassment. The last one is physical attacks like hitting and kicking. 

Task 3:

What is/are the best action(s) in your opinion to deal with that kind of violence or harassment?

First of all, you need learn more about related documents. Secondly you can definite and detect the violence in workplace. Thirdly, you need report and offer the proof. 

Task 4:

If you were to advise a friend or a family member who has just joined new workplace or school to be aware of violence at workplace, what would you say to him or to her?

Record your answer here.


Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety

Most people think of violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence is a much broader problem. It is any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment. Workplace violence includes:

• Threatening behaviour - such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects.
• Verbal or written threats - any expression of an intent to inflict harm.
• Harassment - any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. This includes words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities.
• Verbal abuse - swearing, insults or condescending language.
• Physical attacks - hitting, shoving, pushing or kicking.

Rumours, swearing, verbal abuse, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson and murder are all examples of workplace violence.

Workplace violence is not limited to incidents that occur within a traditional workplace. Work-related violence can occur at off-site business-related functions (conferences, trade shows), at social events related to work, in clients' homes or away from work but resulting from work (a threatening telephone call to your home from a client).

Work practices include all the things you do while you are doing the job. People, who work away from a traditional office setting, for example real estate agents or home care providers, can adopt many different work practices that will reduce their risk. For example,

• Prepare a daily work plan, so that you and others know where and when you are expected somewhere.
• Identify a designated contact at the office and a back-up.
• Keep your designated contact informed of your location and consistently adhere to the call-in schedule.
• Check the credentials of clients.
• Use the "buddy system", especially when you feel your personal safety may be threatened.
• DO NOT enter any situation or location where you feel threatened or unsafe.

CCOHS has produced a pocket guide called Violence Prevention in the Workplace. This guide is written for anyone who wants to learn about workplace violence and its prevention. It is especially useful to individuals involved in the development and implementation of workplace violence prevention programs.

We also have created the following three e-learning courses based on the best selling pocket guide:

• Violence in the Workplace: Awareness (FREE)
• Violence in the Workplace: Recognize the Risk & Take Action
• Violence in the Workplace: Establish a Prevention Program