Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Workplace Violence Shots Fired: When Lightning Strikes - Active Shooter Training From the Center for Personal

Transcription

1 Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Workplace Violence Shots Fired: When Lightning Strikes - Active Shooter Training From the Center for Personal Protection and Safety

2 Workplace Violence Prevention Focus on prevention If you sense something say something Active Shooter Training Focus on survival! Be mindful not fearful

3 Workplace violence is defined as behavior that Threatens the safety of employees Negatively impacts employee physical/psychological well being Damages organization s property Awareness + Action = Prevention

4 Workplace violence happens out of the blue, someone just snaps Workplace violence is rare Events resolve themselves You can t prevent workplace violence Violence is evolutionary, preceded by behaviors that are concerning to others 2 million reported cases per year Early intervention is the key to prevention Employees are the first line of response MYTHS TRUTHS

5 Focus on Prevention Emotional/Psychological Violence Behaviors of Concern Threatening Behaviors Physical Violence Death Focus on Reaction Physical Violence

6 Recognize and respond to Behaviors of Concern Behaviors of Concern may not escalate into physical violence but they are harmful and warrant attention and possible intervention. Behaviors of Concern are Disruptive Aggressive Hostile Emotionally abusive Behaviors of Concern generate anxiety, create distrust and adversely affect productivity and morale!

7 Prolonged anger Holding grudges Hyper-sensitivity to criticism Blaming others Collecting injustices Preoccupation with violence Obsessions Extreme anxiety Extreme sadness Change in personality

8 Intimidation Stalking Bullying Making threats direct and implied Signs of domestic abuse

9 Note behavior and remember it Talk to the person of concern Report to: Supervisor Human Resources Security Employee Assistance Union Representative Roadblocks to taking action: Lack of awareness Being seen as a busybody or tattle tale Worry about retaliation Someone else s responsibility

10 Behaviors that must be taken seriously and reported immediately: Physical violence All threats and threatening behavior Extreme anger Awareness + Action = Prevention!

11 Most incidents are over before law enforcement are on the scene You are the first line of defense You need to take direct responsibility for your safety Tools to help you develop a Survival Mindset

12 Awareness: taking time to gain a basic understanding of the situation as it unfolds Preparation: asking yourself the what if questions so you can effectively develop a response strategy Rehearsal: practice your plan.

13 Anxious Recall learned information Prepare to act as rehearsed Move into action Panic Fall into disbelief Lost in denial and shock Feel helpless Trained individuals Not trained individuals

14 Get out? Can you safely escape? Hide out? Is there a good place to hide? Take out? Will you have to try to take out the shooter? With a survival mindset you can make your decision based on an awareness of your situation. You have already looked at your work environment through the lens of survival and you able to act quickly because you have practiced your plan.

15 Get out get out fast! Trust your instincts don t wait for validation from others Leave your belongings behind! When out: Immediately call Be persistent lines may be jammed Give useful information and location details

16 Find a hidden location Find protection (rooms that lock) Avoid places you might get trapped in Blockade the door Keep silent Turn off lights Turn off anything that could alert the shooter to your presence Quiet your cell phone! Call when it is safe

17 Help others escape when possible Keep others away from the dangerous area Help the injured when possible Warn others Help others stay calm

18 If two or more people: Spread out Make a plan Act as a team Total commitment to action Do whatever is necessary If alone: Make a plan Total commitment to action Do whatever is necessary

19 First responders are there to take out the shooter. First responders do not know who the shooter is! Do not point Do not scream or yell Put your hands in the air Be quiet and compliant Be prepared to calmly and quickly tell Location of shooter Number of shooters Physical description Number and type of weapons

20 Active shooter is there to take lives! Hostage situation uses hostages for leverage and are trying to achieve a goal. In a hostage situation Remain calm Follow directions Wait for authorities to resolve the situation