Workplace violence among Pennsylvania education workers: Differences among occupations

Abstract

Problem-The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence and characteristics of physical and non-physical WPV in a state-based cohort of education workers.Method-A sample of 6,450 workers was drawn using de-identified union membership lists, stratified on gender, occupation, and school location. A cross-sectional survey was mailed to participants.Results-An estimated 7.8% (95%CI = 6.6-9.1) of education workers were physically assaulted and 28.9% (95%CI = 26.4-31.5) experienced a non-physical WPV event during the 2009-2010 school year. Special education teachers were significantly more likely to be physically assaulted and experience a non-physical WPV event compared to general education teachers (Prevalence Rate Ratio = 3.6, 95% 2.4-5.5; PRR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.1-1.8).Discussion-Special education teachers were at the highest risk for both physical and nonphysical WPV. If not already present, schools should consider implementing comprehensive WPV prevention programs for their employees.Impact on Industry-Special education teachers have unique workplace hazards. Strategies that protect the special education teacher, while still protecting the special education student should be considered.

Student-to-teacher violation and the threat to a teacher’s self

“…A study from Pennsylvania (Tiesman, Konda, Hendricks, Mercer, & Amandus, 2013) presents results similar to the studies from Finland and Minnesota when dealing with special educators' exposure to work place violence. Tiesman et al's study states that special educators are more exposed to violence than other professions like taxi drivers, nurses and mental health professionals (p. 65).…”

Prevalence of Psychosocial Risk Factors in Selected Industries in Latvia

“…Violence in educational and public administration work is a major risk factor recognised also in other studies. Studies have shown that pupils and their parents are usually the ones who cause violence (Bauer et al, 2007;Fox and Stallworth, 2010;Tiesman et al, 2013). No significant difference was found between industries and their groups in this question and none of the respondents in industry Group 2 responded affirmatively to this question, making it difficult to compare the results with other studies.…”

“…The prevalence of this psychosocial risk factor in the studied industries was not compared in other studies, but conflicts with work givers was mentioned as a risk factor in other studies. In a study on violence against teachers, the most common cause of violence was the school dean (45.6%) (Tiesman et al, 2013). In a study of violence in the workplaces of agricultural and forestry workers, the way of dealing with con- flicts is thought to be a major factor influencing job satisfaction and health of employers (Smedley et al, 2007).…”

Violence Against Teachers: Case Studies from the APA Task Force

“…Special education teachers reported experiencing more physical and nonphysical violence compared to general education teachers (Tiesman, Konda, Hendricks, Mercer, & Amandus, 2013). Other types of violence noted are perceived threats, assault, bullying, and harassment.…”