62 Ways To Avoid Being Murdered By Workplace Violence

As we follow the sordid details outlined in the news about Annie Le's death, many of us have lengthy questions discharging in our minds. Who could have done this to her? Was it really Raymond Clark or someone else? What would be the motive? If it was workplace violence, could anyone be at risk in his or her work environment? What causes a person to snap and lose focus of reality? I hope to answer a few of these questions in this article.

According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, workplace violence isn't always obvious like physical abuse. Nevertheless, it can certainly lead to that.

If a coworker has a drastic change in behavior, the intensity and volume of disruptive behaviors prevent normal and productive activity at work, and more than a few of the following occur, please seek help. It's never stupid to raise awareness to the problem. It's only stupid to ignore the problem!

Warning Signs:

· Crying, sulking or temper tantrums

· Excessive absenteeism or lateness

· Disregard for the health and safety of others

· Disrespect for authority

· Increased mistakes or errors, or unsatisfactory work quality

· Refusal to acknowledge job performance problems

· Faulty decision making

· Testing the limits to see what they can get away with

· Swearing or emotional language

· Overreacting to criticism

· Making inappropriate statements

· Forgetfulness, confusion and/or distraction

· Inability to focus

· Blaming others for mistakes

· Complaints of unfair treatment

· Talking about the same problems repeatedly without resolving them

· Insistence that he or she is always right

· Misinterpretation of communications from supervisors or co-workers

· Social isolation

· Personal hygiene is poor or ignored

· Sudden and/or unpredictable change in energy level

· Complaints of unusual and/or non-specific illnesses

Physical Signs of Person Becoming Violent:

· Red-faced or white-faced

· Sweating

· Pacing, restless, or repetitive movements

· Trembling or shaking

· Clenched jaws or fists

· Exaggerated or violent gestures

· Change in voice

· Loud talking or chanting

· Shallow, rapid breathing

· Scowling, sneering or use of abusive language

· Glaring or avoiding eye contact

· Violating your personal space (they get too close)

Does the questionable person at work have a fascination with guns or weapons? (This may not be applicable if they are in law enforcement, as everyone at my job is preoccupied with weapons!). Is there a history of violence? Even if there are no police reports and there has not been any documentation in the person's personnel file, other people can be a testimony of their past behavior. There are many reports in the media about Raymond Clark's past behavior being dicey. Lastly, and most importantly, do they abuse animals or inanimate objects? (Like tear up their car stereo because it doesn't work).

Here are some more "red flags":

Threatening behavior

· States intention to hurt someone (can be verbal or written)

· Holds grudges

· Excessive behavior (e.g. phone calls, gift giving)

· Escalating threats that appears well-planned

· Preoccupation with violence

Intimidating behavior

· Argumentative

· Displays unwarranted anger

· Uncooperative, impulsive, easily frustrated

· Challenges peers and authority figures

Increase in personal stress

· An unreciprocated romantic obsession

· Serious family or financial problems

· Recent job loss

Negative personality characteristics

· Suspicious of others

· Believes he/she is entitled to something

· Cannot take criticism

· Feels victimized

· Shows a lack of concern for the safety or well-being of others

· Blames others for his problems or mistakes

· Low self-esteem

Marked changes in mood or behavior

· Extreme or bizarre behavior

· Irrational beliefs and ideas

· Appears depressed or expresses hopelessness or heightened anxiety

· Marked decline in work performance

Socially isolated

· History of negative interpersonal relationships

· Few family or friends

· Sees the company as a "family"

· Has an obsessive involvement with his or her job

Abuses drugs or alcohol (very important clue).

Homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. It's essential you know the warning signs to protect yourself.

By all accounts, it appears from reliable news sources that Raymond Clark was a control freak. He certainly fits the profile of someone who could have murdered Annie Le. He has the questionable abusive past, the regular close encounter with Annie Le, and the means or resources to carry out the deed. However, until justice can be carried out completely, we will just have to wait and see what his motive was, if he is indeed the killer. Until then, it is my prayer that this article can bring awareness to workplace violence and perhaps prevent another tragedy such as this.

Copyright Asher Kade 2009