Safety is a basic right and need of any person, from both psychological and legal perspectives. According to the renowned American Psychologist, Abraham Maslow, security ranks second in a human’s Hierarchy of Needs. The government also created the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to protect workers from danger. Employees have every right to be free from harm, discrimination, and workplace violence. Keep your workers safe and provide them with the crucial training on Surviving Active Violence & Emergencies.
An Alarming Increase of Workplace Violence
There are four types of workplace violence: criminal intent, customer/client, worker-on-worker and personal relationship. The tensions could vary from verbal confrontation, physical assault, and the most dangerous of all – active shooting. Every year, there are millions of reports of workplace violence in the US. In 2020 alone, there were 20,050 reported injuries and 392 fatalities.
Addressing Workplace Violence
Reported workplace violence is high but there are many more cases of harassment, abuse, and attacks that go unreported. Thankfully, there are ways you can help reduce the chances of workplace violence occurring in your business or organization.
Workplace Analysis
Ask yourself questions regarding any previous incidents in the workplace: who was involved, what were the circumstances leading to it, and how was it de-escalated? Think about the possible dangers that the nature of work, location, or time of operation pose to your employees. For example, establishments that are known for cash and valuables, such as banks or jewelry shops, can be at high risk for armed robbery. Late night convenience stores, bars, and fast food restaurants can be prone to intoxicated fights. Healthcare facilities on the other hand are vulnerable to verbal and physical assaults from emotionally unstable clients or guardians.
Background Check
Conducting a thorough background check on potential or current employees could help prevent or prepare for possible incidents. A background check not only evaluates the applicants’ suitability for the job but it also assesses their character and criminal records or violations from previous employment. Being aware of your workers’ criminal history or domestic abuse could help you create a plan of action in the event they become aggressive at work or if their aggressor comes after them at work.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Through a zero-tolerance policy, consequences cannot be lifted or altered regardless of who is receiving it. Make sure that everyone is aware of your zero-tolerance of violence policy, what it entails, and what consequences exist. Encourage employees to report any harassment or threat no matter how small.
Communication Plan
A crisis communication plan outlines how you will communicate with each other and with the public during an emergency. In the event of active violence or any type of workplace violence, things can happen so fast. To avoid blanking out on how to pass messages within the company and contact help from outside, it is important to set up a communication plan in advance. Come up with a communication system where your employees can feel safe and confident to report incidents.
Effective Response Training
One of the best ways to prepare your employees in case the worst happens is through a Surviving Active Violence & Emergencies class. This class teaches them signs to watch out for, initial actions they could immediately execute, succeeding steps to take, and even post-response knowledge for when law enforcement arrives. Knowing what to do can decrease bystander effect and increase chance of survival.
Benefits of Active Violence Training
The impact of active violence training goes a long way. Not only can employees feel safe in the workplace but they can take the skills they’ve learned with them anywhere. When workers have less to worry about, they can focus more on their work. While it may seem that only one problem is being addressed, eliminating workplace violence could overall improve an entire work environment.
You can make your work environment a better place for you, your clients, and most importantly, your employees. With IAHB’s group SAVE classes you do not only get effective response training but you are also provided a workplace analysis to help modify the active violence prevention plan that your business needs. Your location, building layout, employees, and other factors are put into consideration to design a unique action plan for your workplace.
To learn more about our Surviving Active Violence & Emergencies group classes, contact us at https://inaheartbeatllc.com/contact/.