What should be included in our written plan on workplace violence?

According to OSHA directive CPL 02-01-058, Enforcement Procedures and Scheduling for Occupational Exposure to Workplace Violence, OSHA believes that a well-written and implemented workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence in both the private and public sector. General recommendations for all industries and administrative workplaces include:

• Implement engineering controls, such as:
  • Assess any plans for new construction or physical changes to the facility or workplace to eliminate or reduce security hazards.
  • Install and regularly maintain alarm systems and other security devices, panic buttons, hand-held alarms or noise devices, cellular phones and private channel radios where risk is apparent or may be anticipated. Arrange for a reliable response system when an alarm is triggered.
  • Provide metal detectors — installed or hand-held, where appropriate — to detect guns, knives or other weapons, according to the recommendations of security consultants.
  • Use a closed-circuit recording on a 24-hour basis for high-risk areas.
  • Place curved mirrors at hallway intersections or concealed areas.
  • Lock all unused doors to limit access, in accordance with local fire codes.
  • Install bright, effective lighting, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Replace burned-out lights and broken windows and locks.
  • Keep automobiles well maintained if they are used in the field.
  • Lock automobiles at all times.
• Implement administrative controls to change work practices and management policies in order to reduce exposure to hazards. Such controls include:
  • Conduct a workplace violence hazard analysis (this includes analyzing vehicles used to transport clients).
  • Provide employees with training on workplace violence.
  • Establish liaisons with local police and state prosecutors. Report all incidents of violence. Give police physical layouts of facilities to expedite investigations.
  • Require employees to report all assaults or threats to a supervisor or manager (in addition, address concerns where the perpetrator is the manager). Keep log books and reports of such incidents to help determine any necessary actions to prevent recurrences.
  • Advise employees of company procedures for requesting police assistance or filing charges when assaulted and help them do so, if necessary.
  • Provide management support during emergencies. Respond promptly to all complaints.
    • Set up a trained response team to respond to emergencies.
    • Use properly trained security officers to deal with aggressive behavior. Follow written security procedures.
  • Develop, or improve upon a preexisting, written, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program.

According to CPL 02-01-058, a written, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program should include: