The workplace violence prevention team should tour the working area and inspect for any potential security hazards. They also should interview the employees in each area, as they are best able to provide further details of other potential security hazards. The following OSHA checklist would help in determining if the work area is secure:
| ALL AREAS | SOME AREAS | FEW AREAS | NO AREAS | NOTES/ FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS |
Are name tags or ID cards required for employees (omitting personal information such as last name and home address)? | | | | | |
Are workers notified of past violent acts in the workplace? | | | | | |
Are trained security and counseling personnel accessible to workers in a timely manner? | | | | | |
Do security and counseling personnel have sufficient authority to take all necessary action to ensure worker safety? | | | | | |
Is there an established liaison with state police and/or local police and counseling agencies? | | | | | |
Are bullet-resistant windows or similar barriers used when money is exchanged with the public? | | | | | |
Are areas where money is exchanged visible to others who could help in an emergency? (for example, can you see cash register areas from outside?) | | | | | |
Is a limited amount of cash kept on hand, with appropriate signs posted? | | | | | |
Could someone hear a worker who calls for help? | | | | | |
Can employees observe patients or clients in waiting areas? | | | | | |
Do areas used for patient or client interviews allow co-workers to observe any problems? | | | | | |
Are work areas and waiting areas free of objects that could be used as weapons? | | | | | |
Are chairs and other furniture secured to prevent their use as weapons? | | | | | |
Is there a secure place for workers to store personal belongings? | | | | | |
Is furniture in waiting areas and work areas arranged to prevent entrapment of workers? | | | | | |
Are patient or client waiting areas designed to maximize comfort and minimize stress? | | | | | |
Are patients or clients in waiting areas clearly informed how to use the department's services so they will not become frustrated? | | | | | |
Are waiting times for patient or client services kept short to prevent frustration? | | | | | |
Are private, locked restrooms available for employees? | | | | | |