Dealing with Potentially Violent Co-Workers:  A Winning Strategy (from "The Working Wounded,"  Bob Rosner, NY Daily News, 1999):

Jonah G. wrote in with this suggestion:  "Recently someone had me convinced he was seconds away from slugging me.  I was very proud of keeping my cool, and, in the end, defusing the situation.  But even though the shouting match could be heard by all my coworkers, no one came to help.  They just cleared out of the building.  I realized afterward that a concerned check-in from someone would have helped me, and my potential assailant would have known I had a witness.  This kind of support is crucial — it takes the power away from the assailant and minimizes the risk of violence."

Safety Solutions Comment:  It's great that Jonah kept his cool.  That's one of the best ways to defuse a confrontation.  His idea of a co-worker coming in to check is also right on the money.  It would have been safer, however, to grab a few people, if possible, rather than trying to go it alone (safety in numbers and all that).  If it looks like the situation is getting out of control, immediately notify your company's security department and/or the police. 

All companies should have periodic safety meetings to address employee concerns and set up written policies and procedures for just such a situation. 

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