Colorado Gov. Signs Executive Order on Workplace Violence
Gov. Bill Ritter issued an executive order requiring the establishment of a universal policy to protect state employees from workplace and domestic violence. As an employer, the state is affected by workplace violence which can compromise the safety of both victims and co-workers and result in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs, absenteeism, and employee turnover, the governor's office stated.
"We want all employees to be safe, to be free of fear, and to be confident they will not be victimized at work. 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," Ritter said. "We are starting the necessary steps to provide a violence-free environment."
The Executive 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 August 2010. The Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration will submit a report regarding the implementation of this Order to the Governor's Office in October 2011. Departmental policies will include increasing awareness of and education about workplace violence, including domestic violence affecting the workplace, and informing employees of available resources for assistance.
Ritter proclaimed October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." View the governor's Executive Order on workplace violence.