Spring Into Action

摘要

Although currently no Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards specifically address workplace violence, it can be cited under the General Duty Clause in Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This clause states that employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that "is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees." Violence, whether random or predictable, is a "recognized hazard" where safety measures can be taken. Workplace violence can include beatings, bullying, fights, homicide, obscene phone calls, physical assaults, physical threats, psychological traumas, sexual assaults, sexual harassment, shootings, stabbings, stalking, suicide, suicide attempts, vandalism, verbal abuse and more. Unfortunately, it can happen anywhere and anytime, and the construction industry is not immune to this type of behavior. It can be high-pressure and result in confrontations that lead to violent acts. Fortunately, risk factors can be identified in most workplaces. Violent behavior can be prevented or minimized by taking some basic precautions.