Workplace violence is on the rise. Organizations must prepare for the array of scenarios that could jeopardize the safety of their employees, a violent attack could possibly cripple a business.
The Urgent Need for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs
In 2016, workplace violence comprised 17% of work-related fatalities, a 1% increase from 2014, according to the National Safety Council.
Incidents occur for a variety of reasons – such as negligible vetting of employees, stress, or disgruntled customers – these can also be the result of a component of mental illness. While there is no precise way to predict an attack, learning how to spot subtle behavioral cues in employees that might signal future violence, could save a life. Domestic disturbances, financial woes, or termination are a few things that can trigger such incidents.
A threat management assessment is one of the most important elements of prevention. This can help prevent an attack by providing insight into improving structural security, creating escape plans and safe rooms to ensure safety during an incident and training employees to recognize changes in behavior such as impairment of psychological functioning, substance abuse and other warning signs.
Training the Management Team
Every company has specific strengths and vulnerabilities. A strength that all companies should strive for, is teamwork. We recommend training employees and management to fill roles in emergency response planning. Things like floor leaders, escorts for the disabled, first aid etc. This can help give purpose and direction to members of the group in an emergency. Leaders can create a more regulated and calculated response from the rest of the team. Depending on the size and scope of your organization, roles may need to be flexible. We can customize your plan with a pragmatic approach.
Take the next step toward protecting your organization by learning more about our preparedness plan today.
