This tragic case is reflective of the startling statistic that homicide is the second leading cause of job-related deaths following vehicular accidents. There are approximately 2 million employees (annually) who are victims of workplace violence. While homicide is an extreme case, workplace violence has been reported to include assault, robbery and rape.

Why Workplace Violence?

Linda Robinson, CPEhr’s Training Manager, cites many reasons for violence in the work environment. These include:

• Pressure and stress of modern life—economic, social, and psychological challenges that can build up over time and drive people over the edge
• Individuals who may view violence as a way to deal with their frustrations and solve problems
• Cultures that tolerate and glorify violence
• Access to weapons

While these are some of the reasons that workplace violence exist, according to Robinson, there are “undoubtedly many other causes that contributes to this act. As an employer, it is your duty to create a safe environment for all employees.” While there is no way of knowing if violence will occur in your organization, here are proactive steps and follow-up intervention items that you can make before violence erupts:

Proactive Steps:

• Address threatening behavior right away
• Review your workplace policy with employees that are causing problems
• Educate your employees to report any disruptive, aggressive or violent acts
• Refer employees that have exhibited violent behavior to counseling (EAP or private)

Follow-up Intervention:

• Monitor the employee’s behavior
• Use progressive discipline as needed
• Assess the violent potential of terminated employees

While intervention is a proactive approach to address violence in the workplace, the number one prevention, according to Robinson, is to define, require and measure professional conduct across all-levels of the organization. This will create an environment that establishes a protocol that sets forth a tone for professional conduct within the workplace. When a professional environment is a part of the culture, employees who are disruptive and/or acting violently will be identified much faster than in a chaotic environment that has no professional standard.

Expensive Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ Compensation costs can increase substantially with CTS claims. Within the hand and wrist there is a collection of bones, tendons and nerves. If you flex your hand over and over again, you cause these tendons in your wrists to rub against each other, leading to irritation. The irritation can result in swollen tendons pressed against the median nerve, causing tingling, numbness and eventually significant pain. If the symptoms continue to persist without any precautionary changes, this may cause extensive pain and limited hand use.

Other Causes

CTS is not only caused by repetitive motion, but may be caused by genetics, health/lifestyle and trauma to the tendons. While genetics can’t be changed, an ergonomically conducive environment and proper work habits can reduce the chances of developing CTS.

Preventative Measures

Here are some four simple precautions that may be incorporated:

• Chairs – Wheeled, adjustable height chairs with armrests are ideal, because you’re able to adjust the back rest of the chair giving custom support to your back. While, the armrest allows you to rest your arms and take weight off of your shoulders.
• Tables – Choose a table/desk height that allows your arms to sit at a 90-degree angle to your body (27 to 29 inches above the floor is recommended).
• Wrist angle – Adjust your keyboard height or use wrist rest to align your wrists with your forearms while working. Consider changing your style of keyboard, using a track ball or a different mouse if you cannot achieve this position otherwise.
• Elbow angle – Raise your seat height if your arm angle is less than 90 degrees. Lower it if it is more than 90 degrees.

To learn more about Ergonomic Programs, please contact CPEhr’s Senior Loss Control Manager Sara Richards at 310.270.9876 or srichards@cpehr.com.

Post contributed by: Ernesto Vera, CPEhr Safety Control Specialist