Workplace Violence: Is Your Office Safe? by Ron Mullins & Thom Bolsch

Last month we discussed safety at home. Many of us spend more time at work than we do at home. So let’s explore “Workplace Security”.

From 1992 to 2012 (the latest year for which statics are available), there averaged over 700 workplace homicides per year. Although we blame a disgruntled employee, many times, there is no relationship between the attacker and the victim. And there is no common ground; workplace violence occurs at retail locations, industrial facilities, and business offices. In all incidences, someone enters the facility with the intent to injure or kill. And don’t think that because you work on the upper floor of an office building you’re not at risk of a workplace invasion. Several years back a law office lost a number of lives because a client was not happy with a settled resolution. The offices were on the upper floors of a downtown office building.

OK. Now that we have your attention, what do you do to insure your safety and the safety of the people around you?

A few years ago The Mayor’s Office of Public Safety for the city of Houston produced an informational video entitled “Run, Hide, Fight; Surviving an Active Shooter”. (Follow the link to watch the video.) The presentation takes you through a scenario of an active shooting; presenting action steps to help keep you from becoming a victim. Although simple, clean and basic; it give you a realistic perspective of what you might expect and an idea of actions you can take if you encounter such an incident at work.

There are other resources available from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security; that can help you (and) your employer outline an action plan. The first step is to recognize that there is a possibility that something like this may happen where you work, then look into what is already set in place. Ask tough questions and expect common sense, actionable answers. You can’t plan for everything, but there should be a foundation of a plan.

Once you have a foundation, look at your office plan in relation to the Workplace Security Checklist at this link. (This checklist represents what we feel are optimal and actionable steps taken from various resources, personal research and experience.) If you are an employee, take the initiative to move this subject up the ladder of management; but carve out a plan for yourself and encourage those that work next to you to do the same. Coordinate efforts and collaborate on strategy. We survive through teamwork.

If you are an employer, you have a legal and ethical obligation to promote a work environment free from threats and violence (we are referring to external threats in this article). This includes developing a reaction plan and providing regular training on that plan.

“Research has shown that many of these situations are over in minutes and law enforcement may not arrive in time. As a result, employees have to become stakeholders in their own safety and security and develop a survival mind-set comprised of awareness, preparation, and rehearsal.” As quoted from the FBI website on Workplace Violence.

We continue to reiterate to the establishment of a plan and the practice, or rehearsal, of that plan; and there is justification for pounding the table here. To put it in a sports context; think this will not

happen to you – strike one. Think that you will figure out how to react as the event plays out – strike two. Think someone else will intercede, and protect you – strike three; you’re out!

To insure your safety, YOU must take action and plan. To insure the safety of others, YOU must take action and plan. You are the stakeholder that must plan for your safety and the safety of your co-workers. If there is not a plan in place, work with your employer to develop one. If there is a plan, get the word out and rehearse it. We are required by the Fire Marshal to practice fire drills; we should additionally practice “Active Shooter” drills.

The following are resources available with information on “Workplace Violence” and “Active Shooting”.