Workplace Violence

[beckyvs]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VIRGINIA-I apologize in advance if this is a duplicate post, I could not find my original post.

My husband has worked for a Private University for 5 years. I am hoping someone can point me in the right position concerning workplace violence.

One of the employees who works in my husband's department has a history of verbally abusing his co-workers; in the last three years he has cursed 3 employees that I am aware of, in one of the cases he threatened an employee. In all cases there were several witnesses to the incidents, including my husband. My husband did make a complaint to Human Resources when he was the target of this man's paranoia.

This employee has sense then cursed and intimidated 2 additional co-workers, that I know. Both felt they should just let it go because of having to work with this person not knowing if he would retaliate. They did report and speak to their immediate supervisor regarding the incident, skipping HR. No corrective measures were taken to discipline him I assume because of the close friendship the main supervisor has with this employee and his family.

My concern and fear are relating to an incident that happened (Friday) 7/24/09; In this instance the grounds supervisor was in the office along with other employees at the end of the workday. The grounds supervisor was stating a general comment concerning two of his student workers, he only stated that these student workers could hold their own against the best of his FT workers. He did not mention this employee's son, who also works for grounds, as a student worker.

This employee took it personally, as is usually the case, because his son was not mentioned as being a good worker. He proceeded to yell at the grounds supervisor stating that he was a lazy, no good for nothing worker, he didn't know anything, etc., He threatened to take a knife and cut him down the back and pull out his spinal cord. The grounds supervisor just agreed with everything he said and tried to make a joke out of it in order not to escalate the situation.

This employee then proceeded to get up from his chair and approach the grounds supervisor. He, still being furious, continues to verbally and physically threatening him as he neared the grounds supervisor. He proceeded to take both hands and shove (very aggressive and hard)him practically off his feat, he stumbled back into the counter. Still, the grounds supervisor did not retaliate against him.

This man's entire family which includes his wife, and two sons works in the same department. If he perceives anything that is said in general conversation as being directed at him or his family, he flies off the handle.

The grounds supervisor who was battered did speak with Public Safety & Works at the University along with his supervisor today, who is also the supervisor over the employee who initiated the assault and battery. The main supervisor did speak with the other co-workers who were present. If history repeats itself, this means nothing, it's only a show, the main supervisor will cover-up for him or make excuses as he always does. I think the main supervisor is also intimidated by this man, even though that would be something he would never admit.

Co-workers have been and are continually being intimidated and bullied by this man. Since this incident it has only intensified their fear of this man. This should have been addressed by the employer when he first started verbal abusing his co-workers.

My question is, what is the employer's responsibility in dealing with employee violence? Are they allowed to let him continue working with his co-workers, putting them in a potentially unsafe and possibly dangerous environment?
His behavior is obviously escalating.

Is there anything the employees can do to force the employer to address this man's behavior in order for them not to have to continually walk on eggshells in fear of setting him off again? I am actually afraid that he could go postal and seriously hurt or kill someone.

I was told that the president and vice-presidents of the University were made aware of this particular incident. It does concern me that there is a possibility that nothing will be done to correct his behavior.. It may be wait and see at this point and hope for the best.

I would appreciate any help or advice.

Thank you for your time.
Becky