Avoiding Workplace Violence

Workplace violence in the United States has become widespread. According to the Department of Labor and Industries, homicide, is the fourth-leading cause of fatal injury. Statistics claim that workplace homicides declined one percent in 2009. Though workplace violence is a rare occurrence, recognizing the signs and emphasizing the safety of employees is paramount to preventing violence in the workplace. The workplace culture consists of different personalities, often labeled, introvert or extrovert. In March 1998, Matthew Beck, an employee of the Connecticut State Lottery, killed his boss and injured others in a rage.

Beck characterized as a successful performer prior to management's request that he take a leave of absence to focus on relieving his anger and stress, which was affecting his job performance. Beck's behavior prior to his leave of absence corresponds with primal aggression behavior. Beck expressed anger over what he believed was unfair treatment by his employer. Beck, a troubled individual, showed signs of depression, which compromised his inability to focus on-the- job. The Primal aggression model defines this behavior as adrenaline driven.

Beck acted instinctively, was short-tempered, and out of control. However, upon Beck's return to work, coworkers witnessed a normal behavior, a person with high spirits. Beck showed no apparent signs he was capable of committing a horrific crime like the tragic event that occurred in March 7, 1998. Beck's mindset changed to cognitive when he returned to work. He was consumed with anger and a feeling of not considered a valued employee of the Connecticut State Lottery.

During the time that Beck was off work, his anger progressed and he was willing to do whatever it took to get, what he considered, revenge. Employees of the Connecticut State Lottery recognized changes in Beck's behavior. In an interview with The New York Times, Beck's supervisor, Angela Bentley commented that "He was always angry about not being promoted, he used to talk about how they treated him unfairly." Joseph Mundry, the shop steward stated that Beck would call to check in while on leave.

Though he appeared calm, Mundry noted the head of personnel had expressed concern. Another, employee commented that he had been informed by his sister, also an employee of Connecticut State Lottery that Beck was troubled and considered dangerous. The Connecticut State Lottery did not recognize Beck's potential for violence.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national center for the analysis of violent crime, profiling and behavioral assessment unit, human behavior is not predictable; however, there are indicators of violent behavior: Candid threats of harm Aggressive behavior; bullying, harassment, intimidation Inappropriate suggestions or references to weapons Fascination with violent events Voicing personal problems with family or financial problems Drug or alcohol abuse Extreme changes in behavior Management and employees of the Connecticut State Lottery knew there was a problem; however, there were no strategies in place to appropriately deal with the matter.

Though most companies today have an Employee Assistance Program, there is no indication that the Connecticut State Lottery incorporated or practiced the use of the program. The Employee Assistance Program established to help employees, however; the program is not used to its fullest capability by employers or employees. In that Beck probably did not realize that his attitude was harmful to himself and others, he was not encouraged to consult the program, and in oversight neither did management.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), protects individuals with mental impairments or a history of mental impairment. Beck's boss could not analyze Beck's state of mind with respect to a mental impairment. Many people experience bouts of depression and stress, however; when it interferes with a person's ability to perform or take care of themself, it is considered a mental impairment. Beck's history showed no signs of mental impairment as defined by the ADA.

Employees are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule, which states that employers cannot request an employee's health record without the employee's permission. This law applied to Beck, in that, if he had a history of mental illness, the law prohibits that information from being disclosed to the employer. Workplace violence can be prevented, if not lessened. Not everyone has a good sense of judgment or instinct to recognize the behavior of someone who has the potential to create harm to others.

To alleviate workplace violence will require educating employees to recognize the signs, define unusual.