workplace violence updated 09/28/11 security is everyone's responsibility – see something,...
TRANSCRIPT
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Updated 09/28/11
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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By: Cheryl L Wieser, CPP
Regional Security Officer
US Department of Commerce
(206) 526-6653
Fax: (206) 526-4543
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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Something about me…
32yrs with the Federal Government
Law enforcement
Investigator
Security Specialist
5th Degree Black Belt in Karate
1st Degree Black Belt in Weapons
Teaching Women’s self defense since 1981
…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.
3Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
A workplace is…
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
4Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
5Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
Violent acts are caused by…
…disgruntled employee(s)
…domestic disturbance(s)
…delusional person(s)
(i.e. Employees, former employees, contractors, customers & vendors)
6Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
Disgruntled Employee(s)…
Long Tenure
Stressor causes violence
End of the line
7Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
Domestic Disturbance(s)…
Violence spills over into the Violence spills over into the workplaceworkplace
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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Delusional Person(s)…
Acts against perceived to be wrong
No connection to organization
9Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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
10Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
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
11Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
Perpetrator “Profile”
Usually Male
Paranoid
Can’t take criticism
Holds a grudge
12Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
Perpetrator “Profile”
NO SUPPORT NO SUPPORT SYSTEMSYSTEM
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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NVCV, FBI Academy
Serials Killers
Serial Rapists
Workplace Violence
All have the same stressorsAll have the same stressors
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
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
• 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
Occupational Safety and Health Act…
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
• 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
Costs to companies…
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17Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
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!
18Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
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
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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Develop a Response Team…
Employee assistance personnel
Personnel specialists
Medical professionals
Law enforcement
Guard force
Local police
20Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
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
21Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!
Why don’t employees report suspicions?
Fear of becoming a target
Fear of retaliation
Don’t want to get involved
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something!
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Notice someone acting odd?Picking up on a pattern?
SEE SOMETHING – SAY SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING!SOMETHING!
23Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Something, Say Something!