VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE SECURITY BiWeekly Safety Meeting

VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE/ SECURITY Bi-Weekly Safety Meeting February 6, 2014

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.

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

Possible Sources of Violence Employees Former employees Clients Other outsiders: vendors, delivery people, friends, exspouses, etc. Criminals Terrorists Transients

Encounters with Violence Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. https: //www. osha. gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/ https: //www. fbi. gov

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

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 Hands-on management taken too far

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Learn to achieve a Work-Life Balance and utilize available programs in your community Mangan Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Blue Shield’s Lifepath Advisors: 1 -800 -985 -2405 Working…