BIRMINGHAM-Workplace violence has become an increasingly common threat, but prevention training can help workers prepare for and address potential situations.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide.
Homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Professional Studies programs now offer courses in workplace violence awareness and prevention. The new program is one of few in the country offered online and provides continuing education units.
“Workplace violence is a significant hazard, and the potential for serious injuries and fatalities is high,” said Tom Reburn, the course instructor and a certified safety professional with more than 25 years of experience.
Workplace violence inspired Reburn to develop training courses, as well as conduct safety meetings and seek a way to make 
prevention training more readily available. Three on-demand courses through UAB Professional Studies offer an introduction to understanding workplace violence prevention.
They present legal and ethical ramifications for various types of workplace violence, active shooter response methods, and workplace violence assessment and de-escalation skills. Focus areas include the economics of workplace violence, organizational culture, training, policy development, the threat management team, case studies, and guidelines for active shooter response.
“Students learn what workplace violence is, how to recognize it, how to report it, how to train employees about violence and how to develop a program in their own workplaces,” Reburn said.
To learn more, visit the UAB Professional Studies website.
MEDIA RELEASE/UAB/Meghan Davis
