Basic Concepts

Dealing with Workplace Violence: A Guide for Agency Planners

Part II. Case Studies

Since agencies and situations differ, specific steps or procedures to follow on a Government wide basis would be inappropriate and impractical. However, there are some basic concepts that all agencies should keep in mind when formulating their strategy to address workplace violence.

• Respond promptly to immediate dangers to personnel and the workplace.
• Investigate threats and other reported incidents.
• Take threats and threatening behavior seriously; employees may not step forward with their concerns if they think that management will dismiss their worries.
• Deal with the issue of what may appear to be frivolous allegations (and concerns based on misunderstandings) by responding to each report seriously and objectively.
• Take disciplinary actions when warranted.
• Support victims and other affected workers after an incident.
• Attempt to bring the work environment back to normal after an incident.