Safety Advice: Violence in the Workplace

I hesitated to write such a gruesome topic. After hearing of another shooting incident not too long ago I could not ignore the topic. Sadly, violence is a reality in our lives.  According to the U.S. Justice Department, workplace homicides average 500 a year in the U.S.  Although we may not be able to completely eradicate violence in the workplace, we can take steps to enhance our ability to prevent violence and increase our safety.  I am not a security or law enforcement expert, but here are some basic tips that I gathered from multiple online reports.

Prevention

• Employers can and should perform background and reference checks.
• Employer-sponsored mental health care or employee assistance programs provide a place for employees to turn in times of high stress or emotional challenges.
• Conflict resolution is critical to resolve issues at a stage when they are relatively-minor. Establishing a corporate conflict resolution procedure is wise.
• Training employees how to identify issues and how to react in crisis situations is helpful. It empowers employees to communicate with appropriate contacts and shows them what to do if the un-thinkable happens.
• If you are not in a leadership position, ask your Human Resources Dept. what measures are in place at your company.

Identifying a Problem

• If you hear someone threaten or discuss violent acts at work, take it seriously and report it to HR.
• If you notice a co-worker that appears to have mental health issues, a history of violence, or discusses extreme, bizarre views, talk to HR.
• If you notice anything unusual, such as doors propped open or things that appear to be weapons, contact your corporate security officer or HR.
• Do not attempt to engage with a person that appears to be troubled or dangerous.

Reacting in a Crisis

• If it is possible, get out of the dangerous situation.  If you can remove yourself from the facility, do it.  If you leave, leave quickly.  Keep running until you are off site and in a safe place.  Running in a zigzag pattern makes you a harder target to hit.
• After you are completely off site and out of danger, call 9-1-1.
• If you can’t get out of the dangerous area safely, hide.  Don’t make any noise (including phone noise) while hiding so you don’t call attention to yourself.  Think about locations where you can safely lock and barricade yourself from danger. 
• In a crisis, there is little time to analyze. You must be able to think on your feet.

Making a Plan

• Know the quickest way out of the building and a back-up in the case your first choice is inaccessible.
• Know the location of the nearest room that can be locked or barricaded.
• Identify places near your work area where you can hide in the case of an attack.
• Talk to your immediate manager or your HR contact if you have concerns.

These are merely some tips based on numerous articles and commentaries. Take time to formulate your own plan. Talk to your Human Resources Dept. to educate yourself on your company’s emergency plan.  If you are concerned about any employees or visitors to your worksite, talk to your manager or the Human Resources Dept. Contact your local law enforcement and corporate security for the best advice for your workplace. Your odds of experiencing such a tragedy may be small. However, it is wise to be prepared to ensure your safety.