Preventing Workplace Violence

Columbia University Irving Medical Center recognizes the impact that workplace violence can have on its employees, and as a result, maintains a zero-tolerance policy against acts and threats of violence of all kinds. Violence in the workplace is unacceptable and all complaints are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

According to CUIMC’s policy, workplace violence is any behavior that is violent, threatens violence, harasses or intimidates others, interferes with an inpidual’s right of movement or expression, or disrupts the workplace or academic environment.

Here are some examples:

• Slapping, punching, shoving, or other physical attack meant to cause harm
• Verbal harassment, such as abusive or offensive language or gestures
• Disorderly conduct, such as shouting
• Throwing or pushing objects, punching walls, pounding desks, and slamming doors
• Making false, malicious, or unproven statements against coworkers, which tend to damage their reputations or undermine their authority
• Bringing firearms, knives, or other dangerous weapons to the workplace
• Using any object as a weapon
• Electronically communicating threats, intimidation, or harassment

Inpiduals who violate CUIMC’s policy may be removed from University property and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, consistent with University policies, rules, and collective bargaining agreements, and/or referred to law enforcement authorities.

As a member of the CUIMC community, you have an obligation to help maintain a safe work environment. Threats of violent behavior must be reported, and will be treated confidentially.

If there is an immediate threat of violence, call the Department of Public Safety at 212-305-7979 or call 911 immediately.

If the threat of violence is not immediate but might lead to a serious incident, please notify one of the following for next steps:

• Your supervisor
• Your local Human Resources representative
• CU Human Resources at 212-305-3819
• CU Public Safety at 212-305-8100

As a CUIMC employee, it is your responsibility to review and comply with CUIMC’s workplace violence prevention policy and all other safety and security measures.