THREAT ASSESSMENTS (new dimension)

WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY WORKPLACE THREATS AND – VIOLENCE?

Wherever there are people, there will be conflict. Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, in some instances the outcome of the conflict can be an improved relationship, in extreme situations it can lead to lethal violence. While most conflict will be resolved by the parties involved, or defuse naturally over time, some conflict can lead to long-term psychological and physical harm, think of domestic violence as an example. The workplace is no exception to this rule when it comes to human interaction. People spend the majority of their waking day in the workplace. Sometimes, the nature of a person’s employment increases the risk that threats can be made, however, in most examples, it is not a risky employment type that exposes a person to workplace violence, it is the mere nature of human relationships.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (No.85 of 1993) states that an employer has certain duties towards their employees. These include providing and maintaining a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees. The spirit of this Act can be interpreted to include the psychological and physical safety of employees in respect of violence and threats of violence. Employers can face civil actions from employees who are injured in the workplace, especially when there was some prior indication that violence could be a possible outcome.

While many threats, thankfully, don’t lead to lethal violence, this does not mean that there are no physical, psychological or work-place consequences. Employees who feel safe in their work environment will be more productive. By acting proactively when employees are feeling threatened, before any violence takes place, employees experience a positive attitude towards their employer, whom they perceive as caring about their wellbeing. Anxious staff are not productive and are more likely to book off sick with anxiety related problems, or to seek alternative employment. Helping identify warning signs for potential violence allows for actions to be put in motion to avoid such violence taking place, and allow staff to feel safe and secure.

RISK & SECURITY ASSESSMENTS

Security risk assessment is an on-going process of discovering, correcting and preventing security problems.  The risk assessment is an integral part of a risk management process designed to provide appropriate levels of security for physical – & human principalities.

Security risk assessments are part of sound security practices and are required by most Risk & Information Security Policies.

Risk assessments and related documentation are also an integral part of compliance with the above Risk & Information Security Policy & Procedures.

The risk assessment will help an entity, to determine the acceptable level of risk and the resulting security requirements for each system.

The entity must then devise, implement and monitor a set of security measures to address the level of identified risk.

Risk Assessment also establishes the basis and rationale for mitigation measures to be planned, designed and implemented in the facility so as to protect the lives of people and to reduce damage to properties against potential threats.