BLR’s Safety Training Presentations

1. BLR’s Safety Training Presentations Preventing and Defusing Violence

2. Goals • Understand the scope of workplace violence • Know the policy requirements • Recognize warning signs of violent behavior • Be prepared to take appropriate action • Quiz

3. Scope of the Problem • Over 2 million victims of workplace violence each year • Homicide is second leading cause of job-related deaths • Causes of workplace violence

4. Who’s at Risk? • All employees • Some may face a greater risk: • employees who work with the public • off-site employees • night workers • employees who travel for business

5. Who Are the Perpetrators? • Co-workers • Former employees • Friends or relatives of employees • Business connections • Outsiders

6. Goals • Understand the scope of workplace violence • Know the policy requirements • Recognize warning signs of violent behavior • Be prepared to take appropriate action • Quiz

7. Policy Considerations • Purpose of a violence prevention policy • Zero tolerance for violence • Employee involvement • Supervisors’ role in communicating and promoting the policy

8. Examples of Violent or Threatening Behavior • Verbal abuse • Indirect threats • Direct threats • Nonverbal threats • Extreme threats • Violent actions

9. Warning Signs • Fascination with weapons • Alcohol or drug abuse • Severe stress • Anguish over employment decisions • History of violent incidents

10. Warning Signs (cont.) • Psychological deterioration • Decreased or inconsistent job functioning • Social isolation • Marked deterioration in personal hygiene • Other major personality changes

11. Stages of Violent Behavior • Stage 1 – early potential for violence • Stage 2 – escalated potential for violence • Stage 3 – potential for violence realized

12. Your Role in Preventing and Defusing Violence • Anticipation • Security Measures • Intervention • Reporting

13. General Security Measures • Keep security doors closed and locked • Do not share ID cards or security codes with others • Follow rules for visitors • Report unescorted strangers • Report burned out or inadequate lighting

14. Additional Security Measures • Report unusual or unexpected deliveries • Report any threats from people outside the company • Report any signs of break-ins or missing items • Take appropriate precautions when working late • If you’re being attacked, yell to alert others

15. Security Measures for the Road • Keep your vehicle locked • Don’t pick up riders • Be careful where you park • When in doubt, don’t get out

16. Intervention: Face-to-Face with Violence • Warn co-workers and clear the area • Call for assistance • Try to remain calm and polite • Establish eye contact • Keep an even tone of voice • Maintain a safe distance • Determine an escape route

17. Intervention: Face-to-Face with an Armed Aggressor • Don’t try to disarm the aggressor • Do what you are told • Don’t make any sudden moves • Speak carefully and sparingly • Go for cover or run only if safe to do so

18. Incident Reports • Date, time, and location • Name of aggressor • Name of complainant/victim • Witnesses • Summary of incident • Action taken

19. Helping Victims of Violence • Get medical assistance • Recognize that pain, fear, stress, and other emotions are natural • Don’t blame yourself • Seek counseling

20. Goals • Understand the scope of the problem • Know the policy requirements • Recognize warning signs of violent behavior • Be prepared to take appropriate action

21. Summary • Realize that workplace violence is a real and present danger • Keep alert for signs of trouble • Take security measures • Take immediate action to deal with threatening or violent behavior • Report all threats or violent behavior • Help victims cope with the aftermath of violence

22. Quiz 1. Homicide is the second leading cause of job-related deaths. True or False 2. Some employees who may face a greater risk of workplace violence because of the work they do are _____________________ and _____________________ 3. Violent acts are usually not committed by co-workers.True or False 4. Some examples of violent or threatening behavior are ______________,______________ and ______________ 5. Fascination with weapons is a warning sign of potential violence. True or False

23. Quiz (cont.) 6. It’s okay to share ID cards and security codes with others. True or False 7. Always report any threats from people outside the company. True or False 8. If you should come face-to-face with a violent person, the first step is to ______________and _____________ 9. You should try to disarm the aggressor. True or False 10. The first priority after an incidence of workplace violence is to make sure any victims receive proper medical attention. True or False

24. Quiz Answers 1. True. 2. Some employees who may face a greater risk of workplace violence because of the work they do are employees who work with the public and night workers. 3. False. Unfortunately, many instances of workplace violence involve co-workers. 4. Verbal abuse, indirect threats, direct threats, nonverbal threats, extreme threats, and violent actions are all examples of violent or threatening behavior. 5. True.

25. Quiz Answers (cont.) 6. False. Never share ID cards or security codes with others. 7. True. 8. If you should come face-to-face with a violent person, the first step is to warn co-workers and try to clear the area. 9. False. Don’t try to disarm the aggressor 10. True.