1. Bi-Weekly Safety Meeting February 6, 2014
VIOLENCE
IN THE WORKPLACE/ security
Bi-Weekly Safety Meeting February 6, 2014

2. Engineering and Workplace Violence
Although we at Mangan do not work in an environment typically considered high-risk for violence (i.e., hospital, convenience store, etc.) we are still open to the threat and take the subject seriously.

3. Mangan Employee Handbook
6.43 Workplace Violence Policy
Mangan, Inc. has a ZERO tolerance for violent acts or threats of violence against our employees, applicants, customers or vendors.
page 45

4. Possible Sources of Violence
Employees
Former employees
Clients
Other outsiders: vendors, delivery people, friends, ex- spouses, etc.
Criminals
Terrorists
Transients
Slide Show Notes
In addition to giving you the tools to combat workplace violence, we are conducting this class to heighten awareness of the problem and focus attention on possible sources of violence.
Sources of violence may include:
Employees
Former employees
Customers
Other outsiders, such as vendors, delivery people, friends and partners of employees, ex-spouses, etc.
Criminals, such as thieves, muggers, or rapists, could also use violent methods to achieve their goals in or around your facility.
And finally, there are terrorists. Although for most companies like ours the risk of terrorist attack is slight, it must be considered.
Ask trainees what they would do if:
A co-worker joked about getting even with a supervisor.
A customer became angry and verbally abusive.

5. Encounters with Violence
Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.
Slide Show Notes
Ours is a violent society and some of that violence finds its way into the workplace.
One-sixth of violent crimes occur in the workplace. There are over 1.5 million incidents a year.
Violence is the second leading cause of workplace deaths. Three workers die each day. Guns are involved in 80 percent of deaths.
As many as 18,000 people are assaulted at work each week.
Violence costs American industry millions in lost productivity, legal fees, and other related expenses every year.

6. Causes of Violence Personal Work – related Domestic violence
Layoff/Firing
Bad behavior warning
Poor performance review
Conflict with a co-worker
Personal
Domestic violence
Substance abuse
Emotional problems
Financial difficulties

7. Hands-on management taken too far
Spot the Signs
Most people don’t just blow up without warning. They go through specific stages before they become violent, including anxiety and defensiveness. Be very cautious when you deal with a person who:
Threatens to ‘get even’
Talks about violence or weapons (excessively)
Blames others
Holds grudges
Angers easily
Uses threatening words or gestures
Raises their voice
Uses abusive language
Slide Show Notes
In order to respond effectively to workplace violence, you must first be able to recognize the signs. Potential threats of violence to watch out for include:
Co-workers, clients, or customers who threaten to get even.
People who start blaming others for problems.
People who talk excessively about violence in the news, in the movies, on TV, or about weapons.
People who hold grudges.
Hands-on management taken too far

8. First Response
If confronted by a violent individual (or one who has the potential to become violent):
DO:
Remain calm and speak in a moderate tone of voice
Show respect to people; even when they become upset
Focus on the problem by going over the situation and possible solutions
Alert co-workers if you feel the person is going to express acts of violence
Report the incident immediately
DON’T:
Argue or raise your voice with an agitated person
Mimic an angry person’s behavior
Slide Show Notes
When you notice signs of potential violence, take immediate steps to defuse the situation.
Here’s what to do:
Remain calm. Continue to speak in a moderate tone of voice.
Show respect to people even when they become upset.
Focus on the problem by asking for details about the situation and going over possible solutions.
If you still feel the person may become violent, alert an employee or colleague with a prearranged danger signal.
Report the situation immediately according to established procedures if things threaten to get out of control.
Here’s what not to do:
Never argue with an agitated person or tell them they’re wrong to be upset.
Never raise your voice or mimic the angry person’s behavior. This will only escalate the situation and make it worse.
Role-play an interaction between an employee and an angry and abusive co-worker.

9. Check Your Own Behavior
Bringing your emotional baggage into the workplace is inappropriate for all the reasons you may imagine. The question is, how do you handle it? What if a client, peer or prospect gets you on a “Bad Day”? How do you take the “personal” out of the workplace?

10. Check Your Own Behavior (cont’d)
It requires discernment and distinction
Are your frustrations about your personal life manifesting in your job?
Learn to leave it at the door
Decide that what you do in the workplace is your contribution – to yourself, your peers, and your clients. This is your opportunity to commit to what you are best at doing (and get paid for it!)
Take a break if you become frustrated
Heal yourself first, then know that you are at work to provide results.

11. Know Security Measures
Follow all security procedures in place for your office
Don’t share badges/keys/alarm codes with anyone
If applicable, wear appropriate badge or identification at all times
Question visitors or persons unknown to you
Keep personal valuables locked up
Slide Show Notes
You should know and regularly practice the following security measures.
Make use of security cameras, silent alarms, and other security equipment. Know where these devices are and how to activate the silent alarm.
Keep locked doors locked. Don’t give the entry codes to anyone not authorized to enter your workplace.
Keep to well-lit areas, especially when working alone or after hours. Report any broken lighting immediately.
Use established procedures for reporting problem behavior.
Participate in any conflict resolution training the company offers to help you deal with agitated people.
If you are feeling stressed, take advantage of counseling services offered by the organization.
Remind trainees of counseling assistance available through the organization’s employee assistance program, and explain procedures for requesting counseling services.

12. Computer Security Delete suspicious e-mail.
Make your passwords complex. Use a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters (uppercase and lowercase).
Use removable storage devices with caution.
Download files from the internet with caution.
Make electronic and physical back-ups or copies of your most important work.
Do not use removable storage devices or load software on client computers unless you have permission.

13. Work Safely After Hours
Let people (family and co-workers) know you are at work late or coming in early
Avoid being alone in the building, if possible
Stay near a phone
Keep doors locked
Slide Show Notes
Working after hours places you at heightened risk of violence.
It’s very important for people to know you will be working outside of your normal shift, whether coming in early or staying late. Let the security officer know you’re still on the premises and where you’ll be, especially if you won’t be in your normal workspace. It’s also a good idea to let someone at home know.
Avoid being alone in the building, if at all possible.
Stay near a phone, especially if you have to be alone for any length of time.
Lock the door to your office especially if you are alone in the building.
Ask trainees to describe what they would do if they saw a stranger wandering the halls after hours.

14. Work Safely After Hours (cont’d)
Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
Walk out with someone you know, if possible
Check your car before getting in…have keys ready
Sit near the driver on public transportation

15. The Aftermath
Signs of distress following a violent incident may include:
Withdrawing from peers
Calling in sick
Overworking
Difficulty concentrating
Ways of coping:
Talk about it
Spend time with family, loved ones
Disregard television coverage
Seek professional assistance

16. Key Points to Remember
Workplace violence can occur in any type of work setting.
Keep alert to signs of potential violence and take immediate action when you recognize them.
Make sure to follow office security procedures and encourage co-workers to do likewise.
Slide Show Notes
These are the main points you should take away from this training session. Do you have any questions about workplace violence? About security procedures? About how to deal with threats of violence?
Give trainees the quiz, if appropriate.
Now it’s time for the quiz.

17. Learn to achieve a Work-Life Balance and utilize available programs in your community
Mangan Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
Blue Shield’s Lifepath Advisors:
Working…