• Education and training are key elements of a workplace violence protection program.
• Training programs should involve all workers, including contract workers, supervisors, and managers.

Supervisors and managers must be trained to recognize high-risk situations so they can ensure workers are not placed in assignments that compromise their safety.

Education and training

Education and training are key elements of a workplace violence protection program. These elements help ensure that all employees are aware of potential hazards and know how to protect themselves and their coworkers using established policies and procedures.

Training can:

• Help raise the overall safety and health knowledge across the workforce,
• Provide employees with the tools needed to identify workplace safety and security hazards, and
• Address potential problems before they arise and ultimately reduce the likelihood of workers being assaulted.

The training program should involve all workers, including contract workers, supervisors, and managers. Workers who may face safety and security hazards should receive formal instruction on any specific or potential hazards associated with the unit or job and the facility. Such training may include information on the types of injuries or problems identified in the facility, including methods to control the specific hazards. It may also include instructions on how to limit physical interventions during workplace altercations whenever possible.

Understanding the importance of training

Every worker should understand the concept of “universal precautions for violence”— that is, that violence should be expected but can be avoided or mitigated. In addition, workers should understand the importance of a culture of respect, dignity, and active mutual engagement in preventing workplace violence.

New and reassigned workers should receive an initial orientation before starting their job duties. All workers should receive required training annually. In high-risk settings and institutions, refresher training may need to happen more frequently, perhaps monthly or quarterly, to effectively reach and inform all workers. Effective training programs should involve role-playing, simulations, and drills.

Training for supervisors and managers

Supervisors and managers must be trained to recognize high-risk situations so they can ensure workers are not placed in assignments that compromise their safety. Such training should encourage workers to report incidents and to seek the appropriate care after experiencing a violent incident.

Supervisors and managers should learn how to reduce safety hazards and ensure that workers receive appropriate training. Following training, supervisors and managers should be able to recognize a potentially hazardous situation and make any necessary changes to reduce or eliminate the hazards.

The training program should also include an evaluation. At least annually, the program content, the methods, and the frequency of training should be reviewed. Program evaluation may involve supervisor and employee interviews, testing, observation, and review of reports related to the behavior of individuals in threatening situations.