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Warning Signs of a Violent Co-Worker

Most people that have a violent propensity exhibit warning signs. Co-workers are more likely than management to first notice changes in behavior in a fellow employee and should feel encouraged to discuss concerns with supervisors. Supervisors can then keep track of behavior changes and take action if necessary.

  1. Changing Behavior

    • If you notice your co-worker has stopped caring for themselves, such as their appearance, or has started or increased destructive habits such as drinking or doing drugs, this might indicate they are experiencing depression or other mental health issues. If they have stopped being productive on the job, this can also indicate a problem. While this does not automatically mean they might become violent, it is still a health concern.

    Loss of Control

    • If your co-worker becomes difficult to deal with and has started acting out of hostility and frustration, whether to supervisors, co-workers or the public, you should report the behavior to management. The behavior might include arguing with people, using unnecessarily foul language and showing bad reactions to stress. Your co-worker should feel encouraged to seek medical or professional help.

    Becoming Violent at Work

    • Once a co-worker has crossed the line and actually started acting violently at work, co-workers and management should treat the problem very seriously and take immediate action. Violence might entail yelling, damaging equipment, assaulting people or threatening any of these actions. A person threatening harm to themselves or others needs immediate attention. You should give special concern to co-workers that possess weapons, especially if they show them to others and indicate that they might use them on people.

    Workplace Policy

    • Every workplace should have a clear policy on how to identify and deal with violent employees. Every employee should feel that reporting such behavior will be confidential and taken seriously. If you feel you have a co-worker that might be violent, make sure you document their behavior and all conversations you have with management about it. Phoning the police is always an option, should you have any immediate concerns.

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