Potential Warning Signs

Inappropriate behavior is often a warning sign of potential hostility or violence. When left unchecked it can escalate to higher levels. Employees who exhibit the following behaviors should be reported and disciplined in accordance with the organization's policies:

• Unwelcome name-calling, obscene language, and other abusive behavior.
• Intimidation through direct or veiled threats.
• Throwing objects in the workplace regardless of the size or type of object being thrown or whether a person is the target of a thrown object.
• Physically touching another employee in an intimidating, malicious, or sexually harassing manner. That includes such acts 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.
• Unexplained increase in absenteeism.
• Depression or withdrawal.
• Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation.
• Repeated comments that indicate suicidal tendencies.
• Noticeably unstable emotional responses.
• Behavior which is suspect of paranoia.
• Preoccupation with previous incidents of violence.
• Resistance and overreaction to changes in procedures.
• Repeated violations of university policies.