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UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES
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Section 8 Health and Safety
Subject 8.1 Preventive, Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Policy 8.1.4 Workplace Violence
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08/19/97 -Originated
02/05/10 -Reviewed w/ changes
-Reviewed w/o changes
Health & Safety Services -Author
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Workplace Violence
Definitions
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Act of violence: any behavior, intentional or reckless which results in bodily harm to another person and/or damage to property or threatens the safety of another individual in the workplace.
Threat of violence: Any behavior, intentional or reckless, that by nature would be interpreted by a reasonable person as intent to harm to another person or damage property. Threats may include but are not limited to oral, written, or communicated through gestures, conventional mail, electronic mail, fax or telephonic means and may be direct or implied.
Workplace: includes all University facilities and off-campus locations where faculty, staff, agents or contractors are engaged in University Business.
Workplace Violence: Threatening and/or violent behavior that can include but is not limited to:
Physically assaulting an individual, by slapping, hitting, punching, pushing, poking or kicking; or physical threats to inflict physical harm;
Arson, sabotage, equipment vandalism, damaging or destroying property, throwing or hitting objects;
Displaying a weapon or an object which appears to be a weapon in a threatening manner; carrying a firearm of any kind onto University owned or controlled property; or using a weapon to harm someone;
Intimidating or threatening gestures, bullying or hazing;
Intimidating, threatening, hostile or abusive language directed toward another person that communicates the intention to engage in violence against that individual and leads a reasonable individual to expect that violent behavior may occur;
Stalking another individual.
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Policy
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In keeping with Texas Penal Code, UTMB maintains zero tolerance for threats, threatening behavior including brandishing or possession of a weapon, workplace violence, or acts of violence by patients, their family members, visitors, students, volunteers and/or employees and contractors. Any individual who engages in threatening or violent behaviors while on University owned or controlled property may be
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Policy, continued
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removed and/or barred from the premises pending the outcome of an investigation.
Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in termination
Employees and students who intentionally bring false charges against any other person will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in termination
Students who violate this policy will be subject to the Student Conduct and Discipline Policies
Visitors who violate this policy will not be permitted to return to the institution other than to receive treatment
Volunteers who violate this policy will be removed from the premises, may have charges filed through University Police and be prohibited from further volunteer activity
Contractors or vendors who violate this policy may be subject to cancellation of contracts and removal from University property
Patients who violate this policy may be removed from UTMB premises and may have charges filed through University Police
Discharge will be considered for patients who present a threat to other patients, visitors and staff after medical and psychological evaluation
Even without the existence of an actual threat or act of violence, employees and students should report any behavior which they regard as threatening or violent to their management.
In order to minimize risk, all employees and students are required to participate in institutionally provided training.
All University supervisors, department administrators, and officials are responsible for responding appropriately and promptly to reports of allegations of campus violence.
Managers are encouraged to refer employees who exhibit behaviors indicating job stress, anger management or who may have been the victim of an assault to the Employee Assistance Program.
Faculty are encouraged to refer students who exhibit behaviors indicating stress, anger management or who may have been the victim of an assault to the Student Affairs Dean or Student Ombudsman.
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Procedure
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Reporting Immediate Workplace Violence, Emergencies or Crimes
Any individual who experiences, is aware of, or witnesses Workplace Violence, or who has reason to suspect that Workplace Violence is occurring, or poses danger should immediately report this behavior to the University Police Department.
Reporting Less Immediate Workplace Violence and Threats
All University supervisors shall take appropriate and prompt actions to ensure that a report from a subordinate regarding campus violence is referred to the University Police Department and the appropriate department administrators. The University Police Department and the appropriate department administrators are responsible for responding promptly and thoroughly to allegations of campus violence and reporting all incidents through the regular line of administrative responsibility to all appropriate University officials
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
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Retaliation
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Any individual who retaliates in any form against an individual who reports an incident or threat of Workplace Violence in good faith or who participates in good faith in an investigation of such a report is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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Personal Restraining Orders
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Employees should immediately 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. UTMB Police will determine and initiate any appropriate action that should be taken in response to receipt of this order.
Students should immediately notify the Associate Dean of Student Affairs of any restraining orders against an individual who might appear on campus. The Associate Dean will consult with the Student Ombudsman and UTMB Police.
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