What is Workplace violence?
Workplace Violence Prevention Policies for Montana Municipalities
Workplace violence is considered any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening, disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. Municipalities are strongly encouraged to create a policy stressing zero tolerance for such behavior. An example policy follows. Sample Workplace Violence Policy the Town of XYZ is committed to preventing workplace violence and to maintaining a safe work environment. XYZ has adopted the following guidelines to deal with intimidation, harassment or other threats of or actual violence that may occur onsite or offsite during work-related activities. All employees, citizens, vendors and business associates should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected to refrain from fighting, “horseplay” or other conduct that may be dangerous to others. Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, citizen, vendor or business associate will not be tolerated. The Town resources may not be used to threaten, stalk or harass anyone at or outside the workplace, in person or via electronic communication such as email, social media, etc. The Town treats threats coming from an
abusive personal relationship as it does other forms of violence. Indirect or direct threats of violence, incidents of actual violence and suspicious individuals or activities should be
reported as soon as possible to a supervisor, the HR specialist, or the Mayor/City Manager. When reporting a threat or incident of violence, the employee should be as specific and detailed as possible. Employees should not place themselves in peril, nor should they attempt to intercede during an incident. The Town will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of violence or incidents of actual violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as possible. The Town will not retaliate against employees making good-faith reports of violence, threats or suspicious individuals or activities. To maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, the Town may suspend employees suspected of workplace violence or threats of violence, either with or without pay, pending investigation. Anyone found to be responsible for threats of or actual violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines
will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The Town encourages employees to bring their disputes to the attention of their supervisor or the HR Specialist before the situation escalates. The Town will not discipline employees for raising such concerns. This policy prohibits employees from bringing firearms or other weapons (including pepper spray, stun guns, batons, etc.) onto city/town premises. Law enforcement is exempt from this requirement. Employees are also prohibited from carrying firearms or other weapons in Town vehicles or in personal vehicles if conducting Town business.
abusive personal relationship as it does other forms of violence. Indirect or direct threats of violence, incidents of actual violence and suspicious individuals or activities should be
reported as soon as possible to a supervisor, the HR specialist, or the Mayor/City Manager. When reporting a threat or incident of violence, the employee should be as specific and detailed as possible. Employees should not place themselves in peril, nor should they attempt to intercede during an incident. The Town will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of violence or incidents of actual violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as possible. The Town will not retaliate against employees making good-faith reports of violence, threats or suspicious individuals or activities. To maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, the Town may suspend employees suspected of workplace violence or threats of violence, either with or without pay, pending investigation. Anyone found to be responsible for threats of or actual violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines
will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The Town encourages employees to bring their disputes to the attention of their supervisor or the HR Specialist before the situation escalates. The Town will not discipline employees for raising such concerns. This policy prohibits employees from bringing firearms or other weapons (including pepper spray, stun guns, batons, etc.) onto city/town premises. Law enforcement is exempt from this requirement. Employees are also prohibited from carrying firearms or other weapons in Town vehicles or in personal vehicles if conducting Town business.