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Emergency Management

Workplace Violence

Clemson University is committed to protecting the health and safety of each employee by providing a work environment that is free of harassment, threats and acts of violence. In support of this initiative and consistent with University policies, Clemson University will not tolerate any threat, direct or implied, or physical conduct by any person which results in harm to people or property, or which harasses, disrupts or interferes with another’s work performance, or which creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment.

EXAMPLES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

  • Physical assault and/or threat
  • Stalking or continuous harassment of another causing terror, fear, worry or intimidation
  • Actions aimed at disrupting or sabotaging business operations
  • Indirect threats (i.e., “You better watch out” or “Don’t come to work tomorrow”)

TYPES OF THREATS

  • Written Threats: Notes, letters or faxed messages
  • Electronic Threats: Telephones, voice recordings, e-mail, social media messaging, etc.
  • Stalking: Following a person on or off-site, repeatedly being in the same area when requested not to be, etc.
  • Harassment: Unwelcome acts, gestures, verbal communication, or physical contact not resulting in physical harm
  • Overheard Threats: Threats overheard which are directed against an employee or sabotage to property

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OR A WITNESS

Life-Threatening Situation
Call 911 immediately and advise the dispatcher of the following:

  • Your name, location and type of workplace violence
  • Extent of injuries, if any
  • Weapon involved
  • Location and description of perpetrator, if known
  • Status of threat

Non-Life Threatening Situation
If no injuries occurred or there is no imminent danger:

  • Advise your supervisor and/or Human Resources immediately
  • Call 911 if the situation may become life-threatening
  • Try to move to a safe area


CHARACTERISTICS OF A WORKPLACE VIOLENCE OFFENDER

  • Irrational beliefs and ideas
  • Fascination with weapons and acts of violence
  • Expressions of a plan to hurt oneself or others
  • Incites fear among co-workers
  • Displays unwarranted anger
  • Violent reaction to criticism
  • Noted change in usual behavior
  • Feelings of being victimized

IF CONFRONTED BY A THREATENING PERSON

DO
Leave the area/get out of harm’s way and call 911 immediately
If unable to leave the area:

  • Secure yourself in a classroom, office or lockable space if available
  • Put distance between you and the threatening person
  • Try to calm the threatening individual
  • Try to get the attention of a co-worker so they can call emergency personnel
  • Listen to the individual and let them do most of the talking
  • Use delaying techniques to give the individual the opportunity to calm down
  • Acknowledge the person’s feelings
  • Be respectful and empowering
  • Be reassuring and point out choices

DO NOT

  • Belittle, criticize, agitate or argue with the person
  • Reject all the person’s demands from the start
  • Use body language or speech that challenges the individual
  • Make sudden movements
  • Make false statements or promises