Becker’s Hospital Review published an interesting post titled, Viewpoint: 4 ways leadership can prevent workplace violence. This topic aligns with the 3D Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkit that Active Shooter 360 is developing. Becker’s focus is healthcare oriented, but the key points fit any government or private sector entity. We agree that violence prevention is a leadership responsibility, but the overarching question is, “How do leaders foster a non-violent workplace?”
First, create a reporting culture, where team members, clients, patients, or customers can report an incident without retaliation, and know that something will be done. When someone is punched in the parking lot, law enforcement likely responds. However, if the same incident happens inside your facility, the matter may be covered up because of a “let’s keep it in the family culture.” Aviation is an analogy, because pilots must report incidents or near-misses, and an investigation follows.
Second, traditional business risk assessment should be complemented by a violence risk assessment, along with procedures for assessing threat levels for real time incidents. Our 3D Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkit provides a framework for assessing violence risk levels, along with tiered response levels.
Third, training and awareness is important for maintaining violence prevention momentum. We suggest quarterly training meetings and at least one workplace violence tabletop or functional exercise per year.
Key takeaway:
The AS360 toolkit provides the process, and tools for program development, maintenance, training, and crisis response. We teach Active Shooter Survival Workshops, but frankly, when a real attacker makes you barricade your office or dive under the desk, your system has failed. Violence prevention may deter someone from doing the unthinkable.
