Bethlehem Public Library’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy & Incident Reporting
Bethlehem Public Library is committed to the safety and security of its employees. Workplace violence presents a serious occupational safety hazard to library staff and will not be tolerated. Workplace violence includes, but is not limited to, threats (verbal or physical), threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees. Such acts will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken, including summoning criminal justice authorities when warranted. All employees are responsible for helping to create an environment of mutual respect for each other as well as clients, following all policies, procedures and program requirements, and assisting in maintaining a safe and secure work environment. All staff members are authorized to call emergency services.
This policy is designed to meet the requirements of NYS Labor Law 27b and highlights some of the elements that are found within the library’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The process involved in complying with this law included a workplace evaluation that was designed to identify the workplace violence hazards library employees could be exposed to. Other tools that were utilized during this process included establishing a committee made up of management and authorized employee representatives who will have an ongoing role of participation in the evaluation process and investigating workplace violence incidents or allegations. All employees will participate in the annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program. This program will be reviewed and updated annually. A copy of this policy statement and the library’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program is readily available to all employees.
The goal of this policy is to promote the safety and well-being of all people in the library workplace. All incidents of violence or threatening behavior will be responded to immediately upon notification. Bethlehem Public Library has identified response personnel that include a member of management and an employee representative. If appropriate, Bethlehem Public Library will provide counseling services or referrals for employees.
All incidents are required to have a completed incident report identifying all persons involved, including witnesses. All Bethlehem Public Library staff are responsible for notifying the contact person designated below of any violent incidents, threatening behavior, including threats that are witnessed, received or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. Incident report forms are available at the Information Desk, Circulation Desk and on the library’s intranet.
Designated Contact Person:
Name: Geoffrey Kirkpatrick
Title: Library Director
Department: Administration
Phone: 439-9314 x3022
Location: Main Floor of Library
Adopted 12 November 2013 by the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees and filed in compliance with NYS Labor Law 27b. This document contains language prescribed by the NYS Department of Labor