As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DANGEROUS WEAPON
Includes, but is not limited to, any offensive weapon, pistol,
revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife,
or knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length.
POSSESSION
Includes, but is not limited to, the presence of a weapon
on the employee, lunch box, tool kit, bag, purse, cabinets, office,
etc. Weapons transported in vehicles must be legally stored in compliance
with the laws of the State of New York.
VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
May include:
A.
The use of physical force with the intent to cause harm.
B.
Acts or threats in any form or manner, which are intended to
intimidate, cause fear, or cause harm.
C.
The act of creating a hostile or intimidating work environment
by means of words, actions, or physical contact, which would have
the purpose or effect of alarming, insulting, or provoking another
person.
D.
The intentional damage to Town of Ghent owned or personal property,
or acts intended to cause such property to fail to operate or to operate
improperly.
WORKSITE
Includes all property owned or occupied by the Town of Ghent,
as well as Town of Ghent vehicles.
In an emergency situation involving actual or potential violence,
the first priority is to protect the safety and well-being of persons
involved. Because each situation involves unique factors, the following
guidelines are intended to provide general guidance. The key elements
are safety, report, coordination, and control. The following procedures
should be followed when dealing with an angry customer (citizen):
A. Attempt to de-escalate the situation as soon as the customer (citizen)
shows signs of anxiety. Through verbal and nonverbal skills, attempt
to be supportive and helpful.
B. If the situation does not de-escalate, then firm but respectful direction
must be given.
(1) Take away the customer's (citizen's) audience by removing the individual
to an area where there is less public involvement in the situation.
(2) Allow the person to vent some anger. Be helpful and supportive. Do
not presume the customer (citizen) is at fault.
(3) Set limits for the customer. Provide the customer with direction
by giving clear choices and consequences.
C. If the situation continues to escalate and violence or threats of
violence occur, immediately dial (911) and report as many details
as possible.
D. An employee who is involved in, or who witnesses a violent incident,
shall immediately notify the pertinent Town officer.
E. The pertinent Town officer shall contact the Town Board who shall
perform the investigation of the incident, and assist the Town officer
in disciplinary action (if necessary).
F. If a person enters your place of work using a weapon to carry out
a physical attack, remove yourself from the area immediately.
The Workplace Violence Prevention Policy will be reviewed and
updated as needed, and whenever modifications or changes are made
they will be communicated to employees. Other tools that were utilized
during this process included reviewing appropriate documents. The
Town will have an ongoing role in the evaluation process, recommending
methods to reduce or eliminate the hazards identified during the process
and investigating workplace violence incidents or allegations. All
employees will participate in annual workplace violence prevention
training.