Violence Prevention Training and ‘Bug Out’ Bags

In today’s Advisor, we get expert advice on workplace violence prevention training from the Ask the Editor feature on hr.BLR.com^® and from a federal news radio correspondent.

The training question is: “Why is it important to provide training on workplace violence prevention, and what should such training include?”

Here is how a training expert responded:

During training, employees, supervisors, and managers learn how to recognize the early warning signs of violence, report such behaviors, and follow up before a potential problem escalates, says Wayne Maxey, a senior consultant with Baron Center, Inc., a San Diego-based consulting and training firm known for its expertise in violence intervention and prevention, threat assessment, and post trauma response.

Although many employers do not have a written policy on workplace violence, all should, Maxey says, and that policy should be part of employee training. Training should address details of the policy, including how employees are expected to behave on the job, what behaviors should be reported, and to whom employees should report those behaviors, he explains.

Signs to Look Out For

Potentially problematic behaviors include:

• Signs of anger
• Outbursts
• Physical assault or intimidation
• Bullying
• Mental health issues

Maxey notes that employees should also report coworkers’ comments about homicide or suicide. Similarly, if a coworker seems “fixated” on recent incidents of workplace violence or makes comments about them, such behavior should be reported.

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Training

Maxey says that all employees should be trained on the company’s workplace violence policy when they are first hired and should complete refresher training at least every 2 years. He suggests that employers reinforce that training by hanging relevant posters in common areas to remind employees, for example, about what types of behavior should be reported.

In addition, at least every 2 years, supervisors and managers should complete a separate training module focused on conflict management so that problems are not allowed to “fester,” he says.

Although online training works well for violence prevention, Maxey recommends a classroom-based component for supervisors and managers, so they can participate in role-playing exercises.

He also says employers should research the many training resources available on workplace violence prevention. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel,” he says.

Prepare a ‘Bug Out’ Bag

Now that we’ve looked at the importance of workplace violence prevention training, let’s talk about how employees can protect themselves from potential violent incidents at work.

FederalNewsRadio/WTOP Radio Special Correspondent Mike Causey cautions that a dangerous workplace incident—whether an act of violence or an act of nature—can happen anywhere or anytime.

So, says the ex-Marine, it is just common sense that employees “take care of themselves” and not rely on their employer to give them everything they need to shelter in place or get somewhere safe, including home. He suggests that all employees have a “Bug Out Bag” specific to their own situations, but be mindful that they may have to walk to safety.

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Here are Causey’s suggestions for what a Bug Out Bag should contain:

• Comfortable walking shoes and socks. (Not brand-new but in good condition. This is not the time to be breaking in new shoes.)
• At least a liter of water.
• Some money in small bills and quarters.
• Extra doses of any prescription medication (changed regularly).
• Small bottle of hand sanitizer.
• Small first-aid kit with moleskin for blisters.
• Small penknife or multitool with scissors and nail file.
• Some candy and/or fruit bars.
• Small umbrella or disposable raincoat.
• Small flashlight.
• Charger and cable for your cellphone. (One of those battery backups for cell phones might not be a bad idea either.)

For more emergency preparedness suggestions for employees, read the entire column, “The Next Navy Yard: Your Office?”, from Mike Causey’s Special Report.

Why It Matters

• Violence in the workplace is the second leading cause of occupational fatalities.
• In 2012, it was responsible for 803 deaths.
• It was also the cause of more than 70,000 nonfatal injuries.
• Train your employees to recognize the signs of potential violence and prepare them for how to respond should an incident occur.