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

By: Cheryl L Wieser, CPP Regional Security Officer US Department of Commerce (206) Fax: (206) Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something! 2 Something about me… 32yrs with the Federal Government Law enforcement Investigator Security Specialist 5 th Degree Black Belt in Karate 1 st 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. 3 Security 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 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)

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

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

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

9 Security 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

10 Security 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

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

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

Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See Something, Say Something! 13 NVCV, FBI Academy Serials Killers Serial Rapists Workplace Violence All 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! 14

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… 15

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… 16

17 Security 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!

18 Security 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! 19 Develop a Response Team… Employee assistance personnel Personnel specialists Medical professionals Law enforcement Guard force Local police

20 Security 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

21 Security 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! 22 SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING! Notice someone acting odd? Picking up on a pattern? SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING!

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