Violence in the Workplace

Violence in the Workplace

Policy Name: Violence in the Workplace
Policy Number: 03-04-020
Version Effective Date: Not Available
Last reviewed on: January 28, 2020
Applies To: University wide
Responsible Office: Human Resources


INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø (Ò°»¨ÉçÇø) is committed to working with its employees to maintain a work environment free from violence, threats of violence, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior.  Such behavior can include oral or written statements, gestures, or expressions that communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical harm. This policy complies with New Jersey State Executive Order No. 49, the Policy against Workplace Violence (1996).

This policy shall apply to all Ò°»¨ÉçÇø campuses’ property, faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the University. All employees are responsible to be familiar with and comply with this policy and procedures.

POLICY

It is the policy of Ò°»¨ÉçÇø to provide a safe environment in order to carry out the mission of the University in the most effective manner possible. A safe environment will be attained by appropriate employee screening, employee education and training, surveillance of the work area, and effective management of situations involving violence or threats of violence on University facilities and University property.

It is a violation of law to touch another person in an unwelcomed way with the intent to harm, or to threaten to do so if one has the present ability to perform the act threatened. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, faculty, staff, students, customers, consumers, visitors, guests, or other individuals on Ò°»¨ÉçÇø property will not be tolerated and may subject individuals to discipline, up to and including termination from employment or dismissal from the University pursuant to the applicable University, Civil Service or collective bargaining procedures. Any individual engaging in prohibited conduct under this policy is also subject to legal action.

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will not tolerate the following conduct or behavior:

  • Threats, direct or implied;
  • Physical conduct that results in harm to people or property;
  • Possession of weapons on University property.
  • Intimidating conduct or harassment that disrupts the work or educational environment or results in fear for personal safety;
  • Other inappropriate and threatening behavior such as:
    • Unwelcomed name-calling, obscene language and other verbally abusive behavior;
    • Throwing objects, regardless of the size or type of the object being thrown or whether a person is the target of a thrown object;
    • Physically touching another person in an intimidating, malicious, or sexually harassing manner. By way of example, this conduct includes acts such as hitting, slapping, poking, kicking, pinching, grabbing, and pushing;
    • Physically intimidating others, including such acts as obscene gestures, "getting in your face" and fist-shaking.

Prompt and accurate reporting of all violent incidents is required whether physical injury to an employee has occurred or not. The Human Resources Department will make counseling, direction, training, and education regarding violence, threats of violence, and prevention of violence available to managers, employees, and students as appropriate.

Any reports of domestic violence will be addressed in accordance with the NJ Domestic Violence Policy for Public Employees.


DATE TO INITIATE REVIEW AND UPDATE
As deemed necessary or appropriate by the Policy Coordinator but at a minimum, at least every 5 years from the date of last review.