Physical Violence and Death
Violence is any action that:
- Threatens the safety of faculty, staff, employees, residents, students, or patients
- Impacts their physical or psychological wellbeing
- Causes damage to the institutions’ property
Actions may include:
- Physical assault (e.g., pushing, hitting, slapping, choking, kicking, or biting)
- Threatening behavior towards another person, child, animal, or oneself
- Display of physical force against a person or property
- Behavior that results in personal injury or destruction of property
Workplace homicide is a real concern in today’s workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 there were 458 workplace homicides. Shootings accounted for 78 percent of those homicides.
Zero Tolerance for Violent Behavior
Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System have adopted policies that call for zero tolerance of violent behavior, threats, bullying, and intimidation. The only effective response is to report the violence immediately. Johns Hopkins will not permit employment-based retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, brings a complaint of workplace violence or who speaks as a witness in the investigation of a complaint of workplace violence.
All stated threats of violence should be reported immediately to a supervisor or academic advisor. If at any time you are concerned for your safety and require an immediate response, contact Campus Security or dial 911.
Awareness means understanding that behaviors left unchecked can escalate into violence. If there is a behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t ignore it. Take action well before the point at which violence might occur. If you or someone you know is concerned about any of these behaviors, contact your supervisor or academic advisor, human resources/labor relations, Security, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, or the Workplace Risk Assessment program manager at .
