Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is any act of physical violence, threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or any other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site. Workplace violence can be committed by a co-worker, customer or stranger to the workplace. While there is no way to predict human behavior, the following indicators may be a sign of potential acts of workplace violence:

• Intimidating, harassing, bullying, or other inappropriate and aggressive behavior displayed toward those sharing the workplace.
• An increase in conflicts with customers, visitors, co-workers or supervisors.
• Bringing a weapon to the workplace, making inappropriate references to guns, or making threats about using a weapon to harm someone.
• Statements that display a fascination with incidents of workplace violence, or statements reflecting an approval of the use of violence to resolve a problem.
• Statements indicating desperation (over family, financial or other personal issues) to the point of contemplating suicide.
• Direct or veiled threats of harm.
• Extreme changes in normal behaviors.
• Signs of substance abuse.

If you experience workplace violence or suspect a potential act of workplace violence, you should immediately notify your supervisor and report the information to the police.

If you have any further questions or concerns about this topic, please contact one of the officers in the Community Affairs Unit at 636-537-3000 or by email at commaffairs@chesterfield.mo.us.