Preventing workplace violence.(SERVICE SALUTE)(Brief Article)

According to a recent study by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN), Atlanta, nearly 20 percent of the American workforce claim they have experienced an episode of workplace violence. The study also found that most workers do not recognize common warning signs of potential offenders, such as mood changes, negative behavior, verbal threats, personal hardships, and mental illness.

As a result, AAOHN has developed a comprehensive list of recommendations to help organizations create and implement a workplace violence education program. It includes the following tips:

* Develop policies and programs that assess potential risks in …