Geared Up 2020 Issue 4 | Page 40

Testing the Lunk Alarm :

Is Your Workplace Violence Program Up To Date ?

2020 Issue 4 | GearedUp

Planet Fitness ® gyms around the country pride themselves on providing a clean , safe and welcoming environment for their members , employees and guests . Especially during the Coronavirus pandemic , PF ® clubs must be particularly vigilant in protecting the people who enter the gym . While you are practicing Social Fitnessing ® and ensuring your gym stays as clean as possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 , it ’ s also important to take steps to ensure that your gym is free from workplace violence .

Employers Have a Duty to Protect Employees from Violence
Many of your employees have been under an enormous amount of pressure over the past several months and may be dealing with anxiety , stress , financial pressures , illness and even death in the family , among other issues . Now , maybe more than ever , it is critical for you to provide a safe environment for your employees to work , free from abuse , threats , intimidation and assault . Workplace violence can take many forms , including harassment , bullying and physical assault . As an employer , you have a duty to keep your workplace free from such violence .
Identifying the Warning Signs of Violent Behavior
One of the first steps you should take is to educate your managers regarding the warning signs that indicate potential violence . Some obvious indicators of potential violence include clenched fists , pointing and dramatic arm movements . However , some of the signs may be more subtle . Your managers should be watching for a change in behavior patterns , increased frequency or intensity of disruptive behaviors , and potential alcohol and drug abuse . Other signs that may cause concern include :
• Crying , sulking or temper tantrums
• Excessive absenteeism or lateness
• Disrespect for authority or misinterpretation of communications from supervisors
• Increased errors or unsatisfactory work quality and blaming others for mistakes
• Refusal to acknowledge job performance problems
• Testing the limits to see what they can get away with
• Swearing or emotional language
• Handling criticism poorly and insistence that s / he is always right
• Making inappropriate statements
• Social isolation or sudden and / or
by J . Hagood Tighe by Matthew R . Korn
unpredictable change in energy level
Your managers should be trained to recognize the signs of alcohol and / or drug impairment . Any drug and / or alcohol testing should be done pursuant to your company ’ s established drug testing policy . Many states have laws regarding drug and / or alcohol testing that you should review and incorporate into your policy .
How to Handle a Potentially Violent Situation
If your managers are confronted with an employee ( or a member or guest ) that is exhibiting signs of potentially violent behavior , they should take appropriate steps to disengage the situation , including :
• Project calmness , move and speak slowly , quietly and confidently
• Be an empathetic listener , encourage the person to talk and listen patiently
• Focus your attention on the person
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