Page 40 - Delaware Medical Journal - July/August 2019
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Violence in the Workplace:
Seven Actions to Mitigate Risks
We see the headlines all too frequently. Another deadly shooting at a high school, entertainment venue, or even a house of worship. The number of mass shooting events occurring in the United States continues to increase at an alarming rate. Not only are these incidents more frequent, but they are often deadlier, as evidenced by an FBI study that details both the number of workplace violence incidents and the number of casualties (fatalities and injuries) suffered in the U.S. from 2000 to 2017.
on a shooting spree at a small employer’s facility in Minneapolis, killing six people before taking his own life. A subsequent family alleged that the company should have been better prepared.1,2 We are now seeing similar litigation from the Las Vegas concert shooting that took place in October 2017, the deadliest mass shooting in modern history. Less visible are the two million American workers who, on an annual basis, report having been a victim of workplace violence. Inevitably, the more impactful events are followed by one or more lawsuits.
Is your business prepared? This article will review best practices for workplace violence preparedness, incident response, and post-incident considerations. The following plan components should
be a part of any workplace violence preparedness plan.
1 Human Resources – Develop
a Workplace Violence Policy
Develop and implement a Workplace Violence Policy that includes procedures Procedures should include background checks for new hires, alternative dispute
resolution, workplace violence reporting, workplace violence investigation, and high-risk termination. Referral to an Employee Assistance Program should be a consideration. In many workplace violence cases, indicators of impending violence are present prior to the event. Guidance
on preventive measures can minimize the chance that a workplace violence scenario ensues.
2 Perform a Threat Analysis and Security Assessment
A comprehensive assessment should include a physical site evaluation of the facility and surrounding areas as well as an analysis of potential threats based on the type of business operation. This would also include reviewing crime data for operational locations, access and controls, prior incidents, and the background of the existing workforce.
THREAT ASSESSMENT-RELATED LINKS:
• www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_ shooter_booklet.pdf
• www.wm.edu/offices/hr/documents/ trainingpresentations
3 Develop an Emergency Action Plan An Emergency Action Plan should include to different types of emergencies, including a workplace violence scenario. Employers should review and test the viability of their emergency action plan at least annually.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN-RELATED LINKS:
• www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/ business.html
• www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/ evacuation/index.html
4 Plan for Crisis Communications (Internal and External)
A proactive communication plan can
aid an organization in a variety of
crisis scenarios, including a workplace violence event. During a crisis, instantaneous communication is critical
for relaying information to employees,
law enforcement, visitors, and customers. Any communication plan needs to be prepared utilizing plain language with clear, easy-to-understand information. this information to make decisions based on rapidly evolving events.
It is highly recommended that organizations
that will allow messages to be distributed through multiple channels, including
text, phone, email, and social media. An organization’s choice of a primary point of contact for external communications will be another important decision. Organizations should maintain open, but tactful communication both internally and externally during and after a crisis. Designating a spokesperson prior to a crisis can ensure that this objective is achieved. This individual may be an executive-level team member trained in communications during a crisis, or an external party that specializes in this area.
Practice Management Session: ‘Active Shooter’
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 from 8-10 a.m.
Free for MSD members! Non-MSD member fee is $25. For more information, contact Kristie Stewart at 302-224-5196 or kristie.stewart@medsocdel.org.
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