Workplace Violence

If you are faced with any threatening behavior at Colby, here are the steps you must take.

• If possible, move to a safe location.
• Call ext. 5911 immediately.
• Give the dispatcher detailed information of the threat.
• Give a description of the subject, location or last known location, and/or direction of travel.
• Use active listening skills to communicate and de-escalate the situation if possible.

Warning Signs:

• Threatening statements to kill/harm self or others, direct or veiled.
• References to or preoccupation with other incidents of workplace violence.
• Change in personality, mood, or behavior.
• Intimidating, belligerent, insubordinate, defiant, or challenging.
• Confrontational, angry, easily provoked, unpredictable, restless, or antisocial behavior.
• Destruction of property.
• Blames others for anything that goes wrong, with no sense of own responsibility.
• Shows recent marked performance decline.
• Substance abuse.
• Serious stress in personal life.

Preventive and Ongoing Actions:

• Treat all employees, students, and visitors with dignity and respect.
• Respond to any and all acts of workplace violence.
• Document and provide examples or description of behaviors, statement, or actions that have caused concern.
• Report problem behavior to Human Resources, Security, or the Safety Office.
• Keep information on hand that explains where help can be found, how to obtain help, and the EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Recognizing and Preventing Violence in the Workplace

Audience: Faculty and Staff