Social service agency are currently experiencing a high level of aggressive, hostile behaviors from clients and the situation threatens to get worse. More depressed, unstable and desperate people are waiting in longer lines to talk to fewer workers who have less time to dispense dwindling services and reduced benefits . Some understandably become violent. The risks are likely to climb higher as welfare reform is implemented. Unless measures are taken to minimize the risk of violence for social service workers, injuries and deaths will increase.
Most incidents are predictable, most are preventable.
And like any other workplace hazard, it is the responsibility of the employer to take reasonable measures to minimize the likelihood of workplace violence. Workplace violence is not just limited to physical assault, but can also include near misses, verbal abuse, and sexual harassment. Even the fear of assault or witnessing an assault on a coworker can have serious health affects on workers. Psychological trauma is a common outcome of violent incidents, but one that has not received nearly enough attention or study. Emotional problems resulting from violent incidents include self doubt, depression, fear, post traumatic stress syndrome, loss of sleep, irritability, disturbed relationships with family, friends and co-workers, decreased ability to function at work, and increased absenteeism.