What are Piedmont's guidelines on workplace violence?

• A. Tolerate threats to see if staff can handle it.
• B. Allow violence in break times if agreed among staff.
• C. Do nothing unless a major incident occurs.
• D. Prohibit threats or violence; report suspicious behavior; support victims; security measures in place.

Answer: (D)

Workplace violence policies focus on prevention, immediate reporting, victim support, and secure safeguards. The best approach is a clear zero-tolerance stance: no threats or acts of violence are allowed, and any warning signs are taken seriously before something escalates. Prohibiting threats or violence sets the standard for safety and makes expectations unambiguous. Encouraging the reporting of suspicious behavior ensures problems are caught early, giving leadership a chance to intervene and prevent harm. Supporting victims helps them recover and signals that the organization takes incidents seriously, which can reduce fear and encourage continued collaboration. Implementing security measures—such as controlled access, environmental design considerations, and trained responders—provides practical layers of protection and a faster, coordinated response if needed. This combination addresses both prevention and response, aligning with a strong duty of care.

The other options miss critical elements. Normalizing threats or allowing violence, even by mutual agreement, creates an unsafe environment and can lead to harm and legal risks. Waiting to act until a major incident occurs is dangerously reactive and fails to protect people when prevention and early intervention are possible.