Workplace Violence Policy - Northern Michigan University

This procedure applies to all faculty, staff and student employees of the University and applies to acts of violence, intimidation, and inappropriate aggression of various types.

Workplace violence is defined as any physical assault, with or without weapons, behavior that a reasonable person would interpret as violent (e.g., throwing items, pounding on objects, or destroying property) and specific threats to inflict physical harm or damage property.

Northern Michigan University Ordinances specifically prohibit the possession of weapons on property owned, leased or under the control of the University.

Faculty, staff or students who have been issued a personal protective order or restraining order shall provide the NMU Police Department with a copy of the order.

Several factors have been identified as contributing factors to incidents of workplace violence.

• Exchange of money
• Working alone at night and during early morning hours
• Availability of valued items
• Availability of prescription drugs
• Performing Public Safety functions
• Working with patients, clients, customers, or students known or suspected to have a history of violence
• Employees, including former employees, with a history of assaults, or who exhibit belligerent, intimidating or threatening behavior
• Employees or students who have been the object of belligerent, intimidating, or threatening behavior from family members or significant others

Public Safety's primary role is to provide an immediate response to a crisis in progress.  Not only by dispatching police officers but also requesting and coordinating other emergency services, if needed.  Prior to an actual occurrence, Public Safety's involvement will include the following:  Participation on the Threat Assessment Team, providing physical security for threatened or at-risk persons, confronting the potentially violent person (under certain circumstances); enforcing applicable laws; and thoroughly investigating and documenting all incidents and actions.  In addition, Public Safety will conduct all employee background investigations and serve as the repository for all personal protective orders.

Human Resources is responsible for assisting in the prevention of violence in the workplace by providing advice and counsel to managers, supervisors, and employees when faced with threats or other situations that have the potential for violence.  Human Resources will assist campus departments in the implementation of appropriate personal practices used in the hiring, supervision and retention of employees.  They will also assist, as appropriate, in the investigation of threats of violence and addresses related issues that are of legitimate concern to employees.

A team approach has been developed and implemented to address concerns about an employee or incident which could be potentially threatening to the campus community.  The team approach allows the supervisor or employee to meet with appropriate professionals at the same time and provide a broad perspective on how to handle a potential problem.  There may be times when only one or two team members will be called to respond to a particular incident.  Confidentiality is adhered to except when danger to self or other becomes apparent.  Federal laws require mandated reporting to appropriate authorities when potential violence to an identified person or workplace is reported.

Director, Public Safety (or designee)
Director, Human Resources (or designee)
Risk Manager
Dean of Students (Incidents Involving Students)
University Counseling Center Representative
University Community Representative (Faculty or Staff member)
Student Representative (Incidents Involving Students)
Employee Assistance Program Representative
Employee's Department Head

The workplace violence policy is disseminated to all University Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors and Department Heads.  They will distribute it among their employees.

APPROVED ON:  June 10, 1999
REVISION APPROVED ON:  September 12, 2001