Workplace Violence at Schools – Clear Communication to Prevent Escalation Stats and Facts

FACTS

1. Inadequate communication may exacerbate minor disagreements into serious confrontations.
2. Lack of transparency can erode trust between educators and students, fostering a hostile environment.
3. Poor communication contributes to stress among staff and students, potentially leading to aggressive behaviours.
4. Without clear communication, resolving disputes becomes challenging, allowing issues to persist.
5. If communication channels are unclear, staff may hesitate to report potential threats, leaving risks unaddressed.
6. Failure to communicate safety protocols effectively can leave staff unprepared to handle violent situations.

STATS

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that nearly two million U.S. workers experience workplace violence annually, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to prevent such incidents.
• A study found that healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence injuries than workers in other industries, highlighting the importance of de-escalation training in the U.S.A.
• The U.S. Secret Service and Department of Education emphasize that effective communication and collaborative planning are crucial in preventing school violence.
• A survey by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) revealed that 75% of members reported an increase in incidents of violence since they began working, with 31% having personally experienced physical injury.
• Two in five OSSTF/FEESO members (43%) witnessed an attempt of physical force against another staff person, with higher percentages among child and youth workers (78%) and education assistants (73%).
• In Canada, 31% of men and 47% of women reported experiencing some form of harassment or sexual assault in the workplace, highlighting the need for effective communication to address and prevent such issues.