Workplace Violence Prevention Flashcards

When a threat has been assessed as 'high risk' by a Threat Assessment Team, which intervention is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Implement a safety plan and coordinate with law enforcement

A high-risk threat requires immediate safety planning and law enforcement coordination to protect potential victims and manage the subject.

The term 'proximate cause' in the context of workplace violence litigation refers to:

Answer: The direct causal link between employer negligence and the harm suffered

Proximate cause establishes that the employer's failure to act was the direct legal cause of the injury or harm suffered by the victim.

Which environmental design principle is MOST associated with natural surveillance in workplace violence deterrence?

Answer: Designing spaces that maximize visibility and eliminate blind spots

Natural surveillance through CPTED principles involves designing spaces so that legitimate users can naturally observe and monitor the area.

A supervisor notices that a previously high-performing employee has become increasingly irritable, made statements about 'not being around much longer,' and recently went through a divorce. The supervisor should:

Answer: Document observations and report to HR or the TAT per policy

Multiple warning signs — behavioral changes, concerning statements, and personal stressors — warrant a structured report to HR or the TAT for professional evaluation.

Which approach is MOST effective for reducing the stigma around reporting potential workplace violence threats?

Answer: Fostering a speak-up culture and protecting reporter confidentiality

Encouraging a speak-up culture while protecting the confidentiality of those who report concerns reduces fear of retaliation and increases reporting.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an employer may discipline or terminate an employee who makes a credible threat of violence even if the behavior stems from a disability, because:

Answer: Posing a direct threat to others is not a protected status under the ADA

The ADA's 'direct threat' provision allows employers to take action when an individual poses a significant risk of harm that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation.

Which post-incident activity is MOST critical for long-term organizational recovery following a workplace violence event?

Answer: Providing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and counseling to affected employees

CISM and professional counseling support are essential for addressing psychological trauma and facilitating employee recovery after a critical incident.