Federal Agencies Are Lagging in Addressing Physical and Psychological Violence in the Workplace
Every week, the major media and the trade press have stories on physical and/or psychological violence in the workplace. After 43 years in the federal government and 12 years studying workplace violence, I wanted to know whether federal departments were planning for workplace physical and psychological violence.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance about planning for physical and psychological violence in the workplace to federal agencies this in 1998, but I have questions if those agencies have done anything to comply with the guidance in the 16 years since it was released.
So, earlier this year, I wrote to Katherine Archuleta, the director of OPM. To improve my chances of getting a response, I sent my letter through the office of my congressman, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D, Md.). Federal agencies pay attention to letters from members of Congress.
