Get training where and when you can, but be cautious. Avoid trainers who purposely exaggerate the incidence and frequency of workplace violence for their own ends. Avoid trainers whose courses are so cumbersome that they become impractical for employers to provide to their entire workforce. Avoid trainers who fail to convey to their students that workplace violence can have horrifying and deadly consequences. And most of all, avoid trainers who generate even more disgruntled employees by placing all of the responsibility for violence prevention on the boss.
Employees are also responsible for their own safety.
T raining can be surprisingly brief, concise, comprehensive, inexpensive and even fun. And if any employer is ever concerned that violence prevention training is an unnecessary expense, just consider the cost of not having it at all. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent just settling lawsuits arising out of workplace violence incidents and millions more are spent if the jury finds against you. W e must keep in mind that no amount of training can totally eliminate workplace violence but it can certainly be minimized. It is important to know that, should your organization ever fall prey to a violent incident, it's entirely possible to mitigate the damages against you by demonstrating to the court that you acted with due diligence and in good faith by providing your employees with the awareness necessary to recognize and deal with the threat against them.