UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 8 Health and Safety Subject 8.1 Preventive, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Policy 8.1.4 Workplace Violence

08/19/97 -Originated 07/06/07 -Reviewed w/ changes -Reviewed w/o changes Health & Safety Services -Author

Workplace Violence

Definitions

An act of violence includes any physical action, intentional or reckless that harms or threatens the safety of another individual in the workplace. A threat of violence includes any behavior that by its very nature could be interpreted by a reasonable person as an intent to cause physical harm to another individual. Examples include: Exaggerated tone of voice, screaming or yelling • Throwing objects • Name calling and use of derogatory statements • Berating individuals in front of others • Use of expletives and foul language • Aggressive movement, gestures, actions Workplace includes all university facilities and off-campus locations where faculty, staff or agents are engaged in University business.

Policy

UTMB maintains zero tolerance for threats, threatening behavior including brandishing or possession of a weapon, or acts of violence by patients, their family members, visitors, students, volunteers and/or employees. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in termination • Employees who intentionally bring false charges against any other person will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in termination • Employee violations of this policy will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and/or UTMB policies and procedures • Discharge will be considered for patients who present a threat to other patients, visitors and staff after medical and psychological evaluation

Policy, continued

• Students who exhibit aggressive, disruptive, violent behaviors or who pose a threat to others will be addressed using Academic or Conduct and Discipline Policies as appropriate • Patients who exhibit behavior resulting in harm to person or property may have charges filed through University Police • Visitors who present a threat to other patients and staff will not be permitted to return to the institution other than to receive treatment. • Volunteers who pose a threat to patients, staff, other volunteers or self will be removed from the premises, may have charges filed through University Police and be prohibited from further volunteer activity. Even without the existence of an actual threat or act of violence, employees should report any behavior which they regard as threatening or violent. In order to minimize risk, all employees are required to participate in institutionally provided training Manager referrals are encouraged to the Employee Assistance Program for employees who exhibit behaviors indicating job stress, anger management or who may have been the victim of an assault.

Procedure

Employees should report any behavior which is threatening or violent, for example: • Exaggerated tone of voice, screaming or yelling • Throwing objects • Name calling and use of derogatory statements • Berating individuals in the presence of others • Use of expletives and foul language • Aggressive movement, gestures, actions 1. On campus, call UTMB Police at extension 2111. 2. Off campus, call local law enforcement 3. Describe location and events. 4. Notify immediate supervisor or department head 5. Use the Patient Safety Net to report all incidents related to violence

Personal Restraining Orders

Employees should notify their supervisor and UTMB Police of any restraining orders against an individual who might appear in the workplace. Upon receipt of this notification the supervisor should consult with Employee Relations and UTMB Police.

References

IHOP 3.10.1 Discipline and Dismissal IHOP 8.2.1, Threatening Situations Texas Administrative code, Title 22, Part 11, Chapter 217, Rule §217.12 IHOP 8.2.4 Possession of Weapons Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, pp44 – 62 Regent’s Rules and Regulations, Series 50101