Program instructs security managers on workplace violence

Mar 1, 1999 12:00 PM, George Partington

           

When faced with the possibility of workplace violence - and it can happen anywhere at anytime - you have two choices: Do something or do nothing.Do nothing, and you expose your company to the risk of violent incidents, lawsuits and bad publicity. But what can be done?The dilemma was the subject of Lockmasters Security Management's Controlling Workplace Violence seminar Feb. 24 in Atlanta. Attendees learned how to spot potential problems, how to defuse volatile situations and how to become proactive in order to prevent incidents or mitigate damage when incidents occur.Peppering his presentation with real-life examples through newspaper clippings, videotapes and audio recordings, instructor J. Branch Walton sought to increase awareness of the problem. Walton is a retired Secret Service agent and former director of corporate security for Cummins Engine Co. He is an adjunct associate professor at Indiana University.About 1,000 homicides occur in the workplace each year and about 100 are incidents involving work associates or workers' relations, Walton said. The odds of it happening are low, he admitted, but no place is immune and one incident is too many.Although the typical perpetrator is a white male in his early 30s to early 40s, anyone can commit the crime. Potential problem employees can be identified, Walton said. Even the high school students who shot and killed classmates in highly publicized cases last year fit the profile, he said. Warning signs include: - unusual fascination with weapons,- display of unwarranted anger,- irrational beliefs and ideas,- feelings of victimization,- talk of hurting self and others,- substance abuse,- inability to take criticism,- constant complaining,- attendance and productivity problems, and- past threats or acts of intimidation.

Preventive measuresWhat can you do when you see or hear a threatening situation developing? The common response is, "I can't do anything. I'll be sued," Walton said. However, policies on the following, communicated to all employees, make it easier to deal with problem employees without exposure to a lawsuit:- zero tolerance for harassment,- pre-employment screening,- substance abuse,- termination processes (exit interviews),- no weapons on property,- right to search personal property, and- how to handle threats.Employers need to be aware of further negative impacts from problem employees. Violent acts are not the primary methods disgruntled employees, ex-employees or customers use when seeking revenge. They also use vandalism, theft, computer-related sabotage and other disruptive measures.

About the programLockmasters has been involved in education for more than 40 years, according to Sean Horenstein, program manager for the company. Programs have been offered for locksmiths, the safe industry and the electronic access control industry. The company began offering classes for security managers in October 1998. Eleven additional week-long security management training seminars are scheduled for 1998. For information, contact Horenstein at 800-654-0637 ext. 200.

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