U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Workplace Violence – Is there a clear written policy that spells out procedures in cases of violence? Is the office secure? Do you have easy-to-use emergency buttons on the phone, panic buttons, sign-in policies for visitors, safe rooms, office access control and safety training?

Does your employer take care in hiring and firing?

• Before hiring, are employment gaps, history, references, and criminal and educational records thoroughly examined?
• Are termination procedures defined clearly with attention to advance notice, severance pay, and placement services?

Could you recognize potentially violent employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence include:

• depression
• frequent absences
• talking in a louder-than-normal voice
• being startled easily
• increased irritability
• impatience
• and memory problems.

Are you encouraged to report unusual or worrisome behavior?

Is there a clear, written policy that spells out procedures in cases of violence and sanctions for violators?

• Do you know to whom you should report unusual behaviors?
• Do you work in a supportive, harmonious environment?
• Is there a culture of mutual respect?
• Does your employer provide an employee assistance program?

Mailrooms – Is the mailroom accessible only to authorized personnel? Do all employees know what the signs of suspicious mail include? (Refer to the USPS document Best Practices for Mail Center Security for additional information.)