Workplace Violence

Violence or threats of violence by an employee or by anyone else directed at any Company employee, patient, or business contact will not be tolerated. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees and the Company from injury, liability, and the other harmful consequences of workplace violence.

Without exception, acts and threats of violence are not permitted. All such acts and threats, even those that may appear to be made in jest, will be taken seriously and may result in discipline up to and including termination. Possession of weapons on Company premises or at Company-sponsored events is itself considered a threat of violence, except as otherwise permitted by Florida law (see the Concealed Weapons Policy).

This policy applies to all persons involved in the operation of the Company, including employees, contract and temporary workers, consultants, contractors, customers, vendors, visitors, and anyone else on Company premises.

Workplace violence is any intentional conduct that is severe, abusive, or intimidating enough to cause a reasonable person to fear for personal safety or for the safety of family, coworkers, friends, or property, such that working conditions are altered or a hostile, abusive, or intimidating work environment is created. It includes any action likely to cause bodily harm or property damage, stalking, or otherwise forcing unwanted attention on someone, whether romantic or hostile in nature. Threats of violence may include the display of weapons, hitting motions, obscene gestures, or direct or indirect verbal threats to harm a person or property.

Every employee shares responsibility for maintaining a violence-free workplace. You are expected and encouraged to report any incident or situation that you reasonably believe is threatening or violent, whether directed at you or at a coworker.

Workplace arguments or zealous and impassioned debates do not constitute workplace violence so long as they do not involve any form of coercion. Discussions about sports, popular entertainment, or current events are not workplace violence when no threat is directed at the workplace or anyone connected with it. Workplace violence refers to behavior that demonstrates an intent to engage in violence, condones violence in the workplace, or targets an individual with acts or threats of violence.

If you receive or overhear any threatening communication from an employee or outside party, report it to your supervisor at once. Do not engage in physical or verbal confrontation with a potentially violent individual. If you encounter someone who is threatening immediate harm to a person on Company premises, contact emergency services (such as 911) immediately.

Reports of work-related threats will be kept confidential to the extent possible. All such reports will be investigated and documented. Employees are required to report and to participate in the investigation of any suspected or actual incident of workplace violence.

Violations of this policy, including failure to report or to fully cooperate in an investigation, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.