Trainer lists warning signs of workplace violence and urges consistent HR involvement

Unidentified Speaker 1, a staff member leading the session, told attendees the county has an obligation to step in when there is a risk of workplace violence and listed common warning signs: changes in appearance or performance, increased emotional reactivity, alcohol odor, or overt hostility.

The trainer emphasized domestic issues are among the leading causes of workplace violence and said employees with protective orders should inform supervisors so the county can take precautions. She recommended that coworkers report concerns and that supervisors involve HR early because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when matters may proceed to court.

To illustrate consequences, the trainer described two incidents: a longtime high performer who "lost it" and threw a book that inadvertently struck a co-worker, and a prolonged verbal conflict that culminated in a shove causing a worker to fall into equipment and sustain significant injury. The trainer said the latter incident produced a family lawsuit that is still pending and that supervisors should have addressed the conduct earlier.

The session stressed consistent enforcement across departments to avoid discrimination claims: "If you're overlooking something that's happening on your team, but another supervisor is vigilant about it... we then have discriminatory practices." The trainer closed by urging supervisors to involve HR and to not overlook behavior that could escalate.