NNews-July-2023

39 July 2023 Planning Ahead, Education, and Awareness: Active Shooter Preparedness Turn on the nightly news, scroll through the news app on your smartphone or tune in to your favorite radio station. They all report tragedies occurring in workplaces throughout the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “there were 392 workplace homicides in 2020…(and) 37,060 nonfatal injuries in the workplace from an intentional injury by another person” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Did you know healthcare and social service workers are at an increased risk of workplace violence? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace injury as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior (occurring in the workplace)” (OSHA, n.d.). Although there is not a standard specific to workplace violence, OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to maintain workplaces free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm to employees, including harm from workplace violence. But, what constitutes a “workplace?” A workplace is any location, whether temporary or permanent, where employees perform work-related duties. That includes the airport as you await your flight to a work-related conference, and the parking lot and surrounding perimeter to your office. It even includes your clients’ homes. WHO’S AT RISK? Any organization is at risk of workplace violence, and there are factors that increase the chance, including: • Employees working alone or in small numbers • Working in isolated locations • Propping open doors during smoke breaks • Inadequate or no security systems • Poorly lit parking areas • Unrestricted access into a building • Disgruntled employees and bad terminations • Working with clients who have a history of violence or drug abuse • Transporting clients • Working alone in clients’ homes By Lisa A. Bellis, MBA, ARM, CSM, CPG, AIS, CIC, CRIS Senior Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance, an NJAMHAA Approved Vendor WHAT CANWE DO? • Organize aWorkplace Violence Prevention Committee tasked to meet regularly to discuss workplace violence prevention. This committee will require leadership commitment and backing to be successful. In order to fully commit, leadership must first understand and acknowledge that workplace violence is a preventable hazard. COST OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE According to the National Safety Council, the cost of workplace violence was estimated at $171 billion dollars in 2019 (Hennessey, 2022). These costs include loss of shareholder value, out-of-court settlements, lost productivity, legal expenses, property damage, diminished reputation, and new security items purchased after a violent event. Here’s the best part: For every dollar invested in preventing or reducing workplace violence, employers save $3! Yet, most employers will not spend the money because they believe it will never happen to their organizations.