Colorado: Governor's order requires policy to protect state workers from violence

State employees will receive more protection from workplace and domestic violence under a recent executive order issued by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr.

The order requires the establishment of a universal policy to protect Colorado employees from workplace and domestic violence. Ritter said workplace violence can compromise the safety of both victims and coworkers and can result in lost productivity and increased health care costs, absenteeism, and employee turnover for the state.

"We want all employees to be safe, to be free of fear, and to be confident they will not be victimized at work," he said. "We can prevent these senseless acts of violence and the harm that falls upon victims, friends, families, and coworkers by raising awareness of domestic and workplace violence."

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The order directs the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration to work with the Department of Human Services, the Colorado Attorney General's Office, and other state agencies to develop a universal policy addressing workplace violence, including domestic violence affecting the workplace, by March 2010. Each state department will formulate protocols and procedures for implementing the universal policy by next August. The Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration will then submit a report regarding the implementation of the order to the governor in October 2011.

Ritter said departmental policies will increase awareness of and education about workplace violence, including domestic violence affecting the workplace, and inform employees of available assistance.

Read more at the WORKERSCOMP Forum^TM homepage.

November 12, 2009

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