Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

What is Workplace Violence?

Cal OSHA defines workplace violence as:

1. Type I: Criminal Intent - Violent acts by individuals who have no legitimate relationship to the workplace or the employee, often involving a crime such as robbery or trespassing.
2. Type II: Customer/Client - Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or any others for whom LMU provides services.
3. Type III: Worker-on-Worker - Violence between coworkers, including incidents involving a current or former employee, supervisor, or manager.
4. Type IV: Personal Relationship - Violence in the workplace by someone who does not work there but has a personal relationship with an employee, such as a domestic partner or family member.

Cal OSHA emphasizes that workplace violence can include threats, physical assaults, and even homicide, and it highlights the importance of comprehensive prevention programs to protect employees from these risks.

 Workplace Violence Prevention Safety Tips

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be vigilant and aware of your environment and the people around you.
• Report Suspicious Behavior: Immediately report any suspicious activities or behaviors to your supervisor or security personnel.
• Know Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with LMU’s emergency response plans, including evacuation routes and lockdown procedures.
• Effective Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with colleagues and supervisors about any concerns regarding workplace safety.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: If you feel threatened, try to keep a safe distance from the aggressor and remove yourself from the situation if possible.
• Secure the Workplace: Ensure that all entry points are secure, and access to sensitive areas is restricted.
• Buddy System: Work in pairs or groups, especially in high-risk situations or areas.
• Use of Alarms: Familiarize yourself with the location and proper use of panic buttons and alarms within the workplace.
• Personal Security Measures: Avoid sharing personal information with colleagues and maintain professional boundaries.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Utilize available EAP services for support and counseling if you experience or witness workplace violence.
• Regular Training: Attend regular training sessions on workplace violence prevention and response.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of any incidents or threats, including dates, times, and descriptions of the events.
• Self-Defense Training: Consider taking self-defense courses to build confidence and prepare for potential threats.
• Support a Safe Culture: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, respect, and mutual support among all employees.

Implementing these tips can help create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of workplace violence.

Need to Report an Incident of Workplace Violence?

Incident reporting is crucial. Employees must Report any incidents of workplace violence or threats, without reprisal, to their supervisor, department or college management, the EHS Director or by one of the following modes of reporting:

• Online at lmu.edu/incidentreporting
• By Phone at 310-338-2893 (or extension 222 from a campus phone)
• Via email at safety@lmu.edu
• In Person at the Department of Public Safety in Foley Annex (Suite 100) or in University Hall (Elevator Lobby #1).
• Through the University’s Rave Guardian, by tapping the chat icon.

Supervisors must forward all reports to the EHS Director for review and investigation.

Incident investigations are handled by Public Safety and HR based on the nature of the incident. In case of campus emergencies, the LMU Alert system will be used to notify the community.

For a copy of the Workplace Violence Incident log, please visit Human Resources at University Hall, suite 1800.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and Training

Please click here for the LMU Workplace Violence Prevention training video! For a copy of the LMU Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, please click here!