Violence in the Workplace

Title:	Violence in the Workplace
Publication date:	8/25/2022
Effective date:	8/5/2005

BRIEF

Policy Summary

Berkeley Lab provides a community in which employees, affiliates (formally known as guests), and visitors can work together in an atmosphere of respect and civility, free of harassing and threatening behaviors. Berkeley Lab policies are designed to protect and promote the rights of members of the Berkeley Lab community and to prevent actions that interfere with those rights and with the Berkeley Lab's mission. Any threat or violent act by an individual associated with Berkeley Lab, including any employee, contractor, affiliate, or student, will be considered serious misconduct and may be the basis for disciplinary action or dismissal. Such an act may be reported to local law enforcement officials for appropriate action.

Who Should Read This Policy

This policy applies to all represented and non-represented employees, affiliates, contract workers, and visitors.

To Read the Full Policy, Go To:

The POLICY tab on this wiki page

Contact Information

For more information, contact your division's HR Field team.
Feedback on HR policies or procedures is welcomed. Send comments to [email protected].

Title:	Violence in the Workplace
Publication date:	8/25/2022
Effective date:	8/5/2005

POLICY

A. Purpose

Berkeley Lab is committed to providing a workplace that is as free as possible from intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence. This policy provides guidance to all who work at or visit Berkeley Lab to help maintain an environment at and within Berkeley Lab property that is free of violence and the threat of violence.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to all represented and non-represented employees, affiliates, contract workers, and visitors.

C. Exceptions

Requests that exceed what is allowed under current policy or that are not expressly addressed by current policy are considered exceptions to policy. A request for an exception to policy requires, at a minimum, the approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

D. Policy Statement

Policy. It is the policy of Berkeley Lab to create and maintain a community in which we can work together in an atmosphere of respect and civility, free of harassing and threatening behaviors. Berkeley Lab policies are designed to protect and promote the rights of members of the Berkeley Lab community and to prevent actions that interfere with those rights and with Berkeley Lab's mission. Any threat or violent act by an individual associated with Berkeley Lab, including any employee, contractor, affiliate, or student, will be considered serious misconduct and may be the basis for disciplinary action or dismissal. Such an act may be reported to local law-enforcement officials for appropriate action.
Crisis Action Team. To assist managers and individuals in assessing situations involving workplace violence, Berkeley Lab has established a Crisis Action Team (CAT), composed of Berkeley Lab and University of California, Berkeley, campus units with special expertise in professional training. These units work together to deal with verbal and physical behaviors perceived as disruptive, intimidating, threatening, or violent. CAT helps clarify the management of situations (including legal and psychological issues), coordinates communication, and monitors resolution of incidents.
Immediate Assistance. If an employee believes they needs assistance, they should call the Employee Labor Relations Manager (x6747). If an employee is experiencing immediate threat, they should dial 911.

E. Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Chief HR Officer	Has the functional responsibility for this policy
Crisis Action Team (CAT)	Helps clarify the management of situations (including legal and psychological issues), coordinates communication, and monitors resolution of incidents
Employees	Have the responsibility to adhere to the provisions of this policy
HR Division	Has the responsibility to advise management and employees on how to comply with this policy
Managers and Supervisors	Have the responsibility to adhere to the provisions of this policy

F. Definitions/Acronyms

Term	Definition
CAT	Crisis Action Team

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

The Human Resources Division will maintain records of any incidents.

H. Implementing Documents

I. Contact Information