Workplace Violence
Although members of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center community enjoy a relatively safe and pleasant working environment, there may be a time when members experience violence in the workplace, whether directly or indirectly. The following information is presented as a broad overview so those experiencing or witnessing such violence will know what constitutes violence in the workplace and what can be done about it.
Overview
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is committed to providing a safe and violence free work environment. As such, the medical center has a zero tolerance policy for violence or threats of violence in the workplace. Zero tolerance means that there is no excuse or justification for an employee to engage in any such conduct in the workplace.
Definition
As it relates to violence in the workplace BIDMC prohibits any act of violence or threats of violence, including offensive physical, written, or verbal conduct that violates or threatens to violate the safety of the workplace. For the protection of the employee community at BIDMC, any threat, explicit or implied, is presumed to constitute a statement of intent (and a violation of medical center policy), and therefore will be taken seriously. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Repeated abusive or profane language;
- Explicit or implicit threats of harm to a co-worker, patient, guest, contractor, or vendor;
- Aggressive, intimidating, or hostile behavior;
- Dangerous pranks or aggressive horseplay;
- Threats and/or verbal or physical abuse of others;
- Participating in a verbal or physical fight on medical center property;
- Possession of weapons, firearms, or explosives on medical center premises;
- Violent or threatening arguments;
- Harassment, stalking, or unwanted pursuit of patients, visitors, employees, or other community members;
- Damage, defacement, or destruction to/of medical center equipment and/or property;
- Use of the medical center or customer information to learn where employees, patients, or visitors live.
Reporting
As stated above, violence in the workplace is strictly prohibited and should not be tolerated. If you are experiencing violence yourself or witness prohibited conduct, it is strongly advised that you report it immediately. For non-emergency situations complaints may be filed with your manager, or reported to the Employee Relations Department at 617-632-9400.
For all emergency situations where violence is actively taking place (especially physical violence) or if at any time you feel that your physical safety is in jeopardy, contact Public Safety immediately!
For violence actively occurring off campus always dial 911 and ask for police assistance.
It is possible that such violence may be related to personal situations or relations between two employees or an employee and their significant other. While these are personal situations, any effect on the workplace or the general medical center community makes it a medical center concern. Any employees who are aware of any situation that could adversely affect the workplace should report it to their manager, Human Resources, or the Public Safety Department.
For more information please visit our page on Domestic Violence.
