Workplace Violence Prevention and Sexual Harassment

Date: 2026-01-12

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To educate employees on workplace violence prevention and sexual harassment, including risk assessment, reporting procedures, and available support resources.

Introduction

Workplace violence and sexual harassment are serious issues that can affect employee safety, morale, and productivity. This toolbox talk will provide information on recognizing, preventing, and reporting these incidents.

Key Points

Recognizing Workplace Violence: Workplace violence includes any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in the workplace. This can include physical assaults, threats, intimidation, harassment, and other disruptive behaviors. [3]
Understanding Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment. This includes offensive jokes, unwanted touching, and displaying sexually explicit material.
Risk Factors: Certain factors can increase the risk of workplace violence, such as working alone, handling money, dealing with angry or unstable people, and working in high-crime areas.
Company Policy: Company XYZ will not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking in the workplace, and will take action to prevent and correct the misuse of the company's resources in connection with domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, including harassment or violent or threatening behavior that may result in physical or emotional injury to any employee, while in offices, facilities, work sites, vehicles, conducting company business, or traveling on behalf of the company. [2]

Hazard Identification

Understanding the types of workplace violence and sexual harassment is crucial for prevention. These can range from threats and intimidation to physical assault and various forms of harassment.

Verbal threats and intimidation: Creates a hostile work environment, leading to anxiety, fear, and decreased productivity.
Physical assault: Physical injury, psychological trauma, and potential legal ramifications.
Sexual harassment (verbal, physical, or visual): Creates a discriminatory and uncomfortable work environment, leading to emotional distress, decreased job satisfaction, and legal consequences.
Stalking or unwanted contact: Fear, anxiety, and potential for escalation to physical violence.

Control Measures

Implement a zero-tolerance policy: Clearly communicate that workplace violence and sexual harassment will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Establish reporting procedures: Create a clear and confidential process for reporting incidents of workplace violence and sexual harassment. Ensure employees know how to report and that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Provide training: Conduct regular training sessions on recognizing, preventing, and reporting workplace violence and sexual harassment.
Conduct background checks: Perform background checks on new hires to identify potential risks.
Improve security measures: Enhance security measures such as surveillance cameras, security personnel, and controlled access to the building.
Develop workplace safety plans: The company will work with victims to develop an individualized workplace safety plan when necessary. The safety plan may include, but is not limited to, the following measures: Screening telephone calls; Providing a new work space; Setting an alternate work schedule; Arranging an escort to and from parking areas; and Sharing information concerning the perpetrator with local law enforcement. [1]

Real-World Example or Case Study

An employee was receiving threatening emails from a former partner. The employee reported the incidents to HR, who worked with security to increase surveillance and provide an escort to and from the employee's car. The company also provided counseling services to the employee.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

What are some potential warning signs of workplace violence?
How can we create a more respectful and inclusive work environment?
What steps can we take to support colleagues who have experienced workplace violence or sexual harassment?

Emergency Procedures

Report the incident immediately to a supervisor or security personnel.
If there is an immediate threat, call 911.
Follow the company's evacuation plan if necessary.
Seek medical attention and counseling if needed.

Questions and Answers

Q: What should I do if I witness an incident of workplace violence or sexual harassment?

A: Report the incident immediately to a supervisor or HR representative. Do not confront the individual directly.

Q: Will my report be kept confidential?

A: The company will make every effort to maintain confidentiality, but disclosure may be necessary to ensure the safety of all employees.

Q: What resources are available to me if I experience workplace violence or sexual harassment?

A: The company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), counseling services, and legal support. Contact HR for more information.

Summary

Recap of main points:

Workplace violence and sexual harassment are serious issues that can have significant consequences.
It is important to recognize the different forms of workplace violence and sexual harassment.
Report any incidents of workplace violence or sexual harassment immediately.
Utilize available resources such as the EAP and counseling services.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

Review the company's workplace violence prevention and sexual harassment policy.
Know how to report incidents and access support resources.
Participate in training sessions and promote a safe and respectful work environment.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.