Can HR Help Prevent Active Shooter Incidents?

YES! Unfortunately, many employers only start considering implementing an active shooter policy when tragedy strikes like the recent Las Vegas shooting that killed 59 people. An active shooter situation is just one type of workplace violence your company could face. Most employers are better served by a general policy on workplace violence. Your policy should include these basic 5 key components:

Prohibition of actual or threatened violence: It should be clear to all the employees of the company that those who lose their composure and threaten to injure others would be subject to severe discipline, up to and including termination, regardless of whether they actually intend to follow through on the threat.

Address company culture: Employers should create an environment where workers feel comfortable talking about their concerns regarding co-workers, former employees, family members or acquaintances who may be abusive. These can be potential red flags and they should be prepared to act when those concerns are aired.


A ready response plan: If workplace violence occurs, employees need to know what to do. A basic response plan can help any workplace and it should include a process for locking down the worksite, isolating the armed individual to the extent possible, and contacting authorities. Implement a policy of retreating when possible and contacting law enforcement for aid. The plan should have accountable leaders in charge of crisis management to whom employees can look up to for knowledge and quick action when the crisis does occur. 

Mandatory reporting component as a company policy: Employees who overhear threats of violence must report them to management so they can be investigated and addressed. The best possible outcome is identifying and neutralizing threats before they become physical violence. 

Practical Training: When violent incidents do occur at the worksite, there should be a procedure for employees to follow. A policy handbook or a safety video is just not enough. The company should provide practical training on how to react in a hostile situation. Employers should tell workers that company resources like cash and equipment aren’t important. The workers are the most important themselves. Employees should be told to do what they need to do to protect themselves and not to focus on protecting company property.

In short, employers should have a plan on how to address workplace violence, and what to do in an active shooter incident. Craft a policy that addresses all types of workplace violence, including verbal threats and catastrophic active shooter situations. Having a good policy ensures that employees follow a planned action and there is less confusion in an emergency.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Construction Risk Management with Current Issues & Real Life Examples

Construction projects entail considerable risk. Profit margins are relatively low when compared to the investment made, and often estimates of cost can only be based on best guesses. Therefore, it is critical to manage and minimize the exposure to risk. Fortunately, there are several opportunities in the life of a project that allow for significant risk management . These opportunities start with the decision of whether or not to bid, and following through to the bidding, subcontracting, and management phases. In this webinar Expert Speaker Fritz Marth will explore the risk management strategies that can be employed at the various times, and in the various aspects, of a construction project. Using real-life examples, Speaker will also explore the successful implementation of these methods, as well as instances where a failure to manage risk resulted in unsuccessful outcomes. Session Highlights:  Assessing whether or not to bid a project Developing an adequate bid Properly p
Read more

Importance of Quality as Work Culture in Food & Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing

Good manufacturing practices, developed in the past 20 years, have introduced new hygienic rules that limit contamination by pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Consumers are more aware of the quality and storage of meat and of the safety measures taken during its preparation. However, several criteria other than eating quality play an important role in meat acceptability, e.g., price of meat, attitudes and knowledge of consumers towards meat, and convenience in preparing meat.  “ It’s difficult to find anyone who says food safety is not important, but people don’t always realize that when you do good for food safety, you do good for the business ,” Hernandez said. … “ A strong food safety program and discipline provide benefits that go well beyond food safety. ” These are the key factor of Food Safety Standards: Food Safety is Good for Business Impact on Businesses & Study Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point GMP In Food Industry Food Safety Is Good For Bus
Read more
Overview of  FDA computer system  validation requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 compliance FDA requires that all computer systems that handle data regulated by the Agency to be validated in accordance with their guidance on computerized systems. This guidance was first issued in 1983, and the main points of focus remain consistent today, despite the number of years that have passed and the technology changes that have taken place. The guidance was revisited for its application to the medical device industry, as the first issuance addressed pharmaceuticals. In 1997, 21 CFR Part 11 was issued to address electronic records and signatures, as many laboratories and other FDA-regulated organizations began seeking ways to move into a paperless environment. This guidance has been modified over the years to make it more palatable to industry, and this includes discretionary enforcement measures. The intent was to avoid creating a huge regulatory compliance cost to industry that was in
Read more