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Personal Safety At Work

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Work is stressful enough without personal safety threats. Unfortunately, workplace violence, sexual harassment and theft are everyday realities, but there are things you can do either to prevent or deal with them. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates physical safety in the workplace, while the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EOEC) handles sexual harassment issues. Theft is a matter for your local police department.

Violence

OSHA estimated in 2010 there are about 2 million instances of workplace violence per year. Employees who handle money, such as retail clerks, are particularly at risk, as are those who work early morning or late night shifts. While employers are obligated to provide a safe work environment, you can increase security by politely asking visitors how you can help them--letting them know they are being watched. Report any burnt-out lights on the premises, park in well-lit areas and immediately report any safety concerns, such as broken window or door locks, to your supervisor.

Sexual Harrassment

The U.S. Supreme Court has broken sexual harassment down into two types. "Quid pro quo" involves a supervisor or someone else in a position of power who--explicitly or implicitly--makes sexual favors a prerequisite for employment or some sort of employment action (like a job promotion or a raise). The second type, "hostile work environment," can involve supervisors, co-workers, vendors or anyone else working on the premise. Sexual jokes, unnecessary touching, threats, display of pornography or obscene gestures are some of the behaviors that create a hostile work environment. If you experience either type of sexual harassment, you should first try to address the offender directly, if you feel safe doing so. If you don't--or if you can't resolve the problem among yourselves, report it to the appropriate authority, but keep the matter confidential. Gossiping about an individual will not reflect well on you and could escalate the problem.

Theft

In addition to keeping your personal items locked up and protecting your purse or wallet, you should be wary about sharing too much personal information at work. Don't type private passwords, personal bank account numbers or other such information on workplace computers. Be particularly cautious when talking on your cell phone, lest you give away private information that might be overheard.

Employers

Employers should institute a zero-tolerance policy against workplace violence, sexual harassment and theft. They should post their policies prominently and offer awareness courses so that everyone knows what is expected of them. Install surveillance cameras if possible. Companies in which employees regularly exchange money with the public should make sure the money-handlers know to comply with a robber if a robbery occurs, and not to be "heroes."



Emergencies

Wherever you work, you should familiarize yourself with your company's emergency procedures, know where the emergency exits are and have your police department number handy. Look up the number of the OSHA office nearest you to report an emergency.



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