Workplace violence is still a major concern of management in every type of business.

Workplace violence is still a major concern of management in every type of business. In spite of pressing legislation, consistent attempts at gun control, and better available security technology, attacks can happen ...anytime ...anywhere.

The prevention methods are simple, mostly common sense. In spite of the simplicity, however, many business entities still feel "it can never happen here", and therefore fail to enforce the most basic of common sense measures:

1. Establish, publish, and distribute an objective Workplace Violence policy. Let employees and visitors know there is ZERO TOLERANCE for threats, acts of aggression, physical violence, possession of weapons, or omission of any violent act on company property.
2. Post warnings that anyone on company property is subject to search at any time. Searches include any container, backpack, briefcase, purse, or package. Initiate main entry package inspection as appropriate.
3. Make it mandatory for any employee to report any known act, suspected act, or threatened act of violence. Add appropriate penalties for failure to report. Allow for anonymous reporting directly to senior management.  Investigate all reports immediately.
4. Following professional investigation of events or threats, take immediate action to remove offenders from company property. Ban a return to property for anyone violating this policy. The ban applies to both public and non-public areas.
5. Brief all staff on policies, procedures, and their role in reporting threats and assisting in an emergency evacuation.
6. Review recommended procedures for dealing with an active shooter in the workplace:

                 a.  Evacuate Immediately  (or)
                 b.  Hide in a secure, safe location (or)
                 c.  Take immediate steps to disable or control the perpetrator.

Senior management needs to understand the consequences for failing to act. Simply publishing a policy doesn't get the job done. This very serious subject needs to be discussed at staff meetings, rehearsed in regular drills, and kept at the forefront of emergency planning.