WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

1. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Updated 09/28/11 1 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

2. By: Cheryl L Wieser, CPP • Something about me… • 32yrs with the Federal Government • Law enforcement • Investigator • Security Specialist • 5thDegree Black Belt in Karate • 1st Degree Black Belt in Weapons • Teaching Women’s self defense since 1981 Regional Security Officer US Department of Commerce (206) 526-6653 Fax: (206) 526-4543 2 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

3. A workplace is… • …any location either permanent or temporary where an employee performs any work-related duty. • Includes, but is not limited to, the building, surrounding perimeters, parking lots, field locations, client’s homes and traveling to and from work assignments. 3 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

4. Workplace violence is… • …any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in a work setting including… • …aggravated assault, sexual assault, product tampering, sabotage, homicide, includes acts committed during robberies • … the second leading cause of death in the workplace overall • …the leading causes of death in the workplace for females • 1 out of 20 women will be the victim of a stalker 4 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

5. Violent acts are caused by… • …disgruntled employee(s) • …domestic disturbance(s) • …delusional person(s) • (i.e. Employees, former employees, contractors, customers & vendors) 5 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

6. Disgruntled Employee(s)… • Long Tenure • Stressor causes violence • End of the line 6 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

7. Domestic Disturbance(s)… Violence spills over into the workplace 7 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

8. Delusional Person(s)… • Acts against perceived to be wrong • No connection to organization 8 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

9. Patterns and Profiles... • Look for patterns rather than individual warning signs • Profiles can help identify potential problems – HOWEVER – they are not all inclusive or exclusive 9 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

10. Perpetrator “Profile” • Problem Employee • History of violent behavior • Intimidates others • Possible substance abuse • Obsessed with guns • Interested in past acts of violence in the workplace • Makes open and veiled threats • Obsessed with work • Loner 10 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

11. Perpetrator “Profile” • Usually Male • Paranoid • Can’t take criticism • Holds a grudge 11 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

12. Perpetrator “Profile” NO SUPPORT SYSTEM 12 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

13. NVCV, FBI Academy • Serials Killers • Serial Rapists • Workplace Violence • All have the same stressors 13 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

14. Is workplace violence an epidemic? • CDC says… • Violence has reached “epidemic proportions” • 111,000 violent incidents occur per year • 750 – 1,000 workplace homicides occur per year 14 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

15. Occupational Safety and Health Act… • Requires protection against workplace violence hazards – workplace violence • Tort liability for negligent hiring, supervision, training and retention • Have written policy against workplace violence • Communicate it to all employees • Establish an effective EAP 15 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

16. Costs to companies… • Lose 1,751,100 work days a year • Domestic violence cost $31 billion a year • 75% use of company time for personal business • 54% of battered women miss work an average of 18 days • 74% of abused women are harassed at work • 56% of abused women are late for work at least 60 days a year • 28% of abused women leave work early 60 days a year • ½ of abused women are disciplined for low job performance 16 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

17. What can organizations do? • Prepare employees for downsizing • Implement humane termination policies • Provide job skills training • Provide counseling • Conduct threat assessments • Better use of pre-screening and background investigations! 17 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

18. The Safety & Security Officer’s Role… • Educate • Workplace violence can and does happen • Listen • Be prepared to listen to employee concerns • Work with management • Prepare a response plan • Analyze past incidents • Assess potential for violence • Assess preparedness 18 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

19. Develop a Response Team… • Employee assistance personnel • Personnel specialists • Medical professionals • Law enforcement • Guard force • Local police 19 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

20. Responding to Imminent Threats… • Remain calm • Speak softly • Respect personal space – keep a safe distance • Buy time • Focus on the person and not the weapons • Negotiate – get as many “yes” responses as you can 20 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

21. Why don’t employees report suspicions? • Fear of becoming a target • Fear of retaliation • Don’t want to get involved 21 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

22. Notice someone acting odd?Picking up on a pattern?SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING! 22 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!

23. QUESTIONS? 23 Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!