Safety in the Workplace By Edward C. Condon Security Director McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital Teachout Security Solutions

Today we will cover: Assessing Threats Response Plans Proactive Prevention Being Prepared Legally

Assessing Threats Potential Sources How to Spot a Threat Taking Action

Assessing Threats – Potential Source Potential source of threats in the workplace can come in many forms: Customers / Patients −Medication abuse / Drug seeking behavior −Non-approved visitors −Family Death −Billing disputes / Inability to pay Surrounding Neighborhood −Elevated crime rate Disgruntled Employees −Laid off / Fired −Employees disputes / arguments −Outside instability in home life −Drug / Alcohol abuse

Assessing Threats – How to Spot Identifying a threat in the work place comes down to being on the look out for cues and taking them seriously. Common indicators of a threat include: Disruptive behavior −Yelling / Using profanity −Waving arms & fists −Verbally abusing others −Refusing to provide identification −Oral or written threats −Drug or Alcohol induced behavior Odd behavior −Dressed out of season −Body language −Inappropriate / probing questions

Assessing Threats – Taking Action Once a threat has been identified, taking action in a timely manner and making sure all team members understand the appropriate response plan is key. Immediate communication Control point for decisions and direction – always have a leader appointed Prepared action plan for each type of threat

Response Plans Plan types Violent / Combative Individual Weapon or Hostage Incident

Response Plans – Types Once a threat has been identified, taking action in a timely manner and making sure all team members understand the appropriate response plan is key. Code Grey: Violent / Combative Individual Code Silver: Weapon or Hostage Incident

Response Plans – Code Gray Violent / Combative Individual Verbal Abuse Incident a)Attempt to verbally de-escalate the assailant (Note: De-escalation should be attempted prior to activating a Code Gray response) b)Call in a second person to assist. c)Add distance/barriers between the victim(s) and the assailant.

Response Plans – Code Gray cont Physical Battery a)Protect others by stopping/deflecting blows from the assailant. b)Create a diversion by putting a barrier between the victim and the assailant c)Get medical assistance if necessary. d)Always call security. If further help is needed, call 911

Response Plans – Code Silver Weapon or Hostage Incident a)Call 911 b)Contact Security IMMEDIATELY using overhead page c)Find a secure location in the area. Otherwise exit the area if safe d)Only use phones if necessary. Put your phone on silent. Here is a quick video on responding to an active shooter incident: Run.Hide.Fight.

Proactive Prevention Physical Environment Education / Training Alarm Systems

Prevention – Physical Environment The following are methods to increase safety in the area that both patients and employees interact: One public entrance with a camera recording who enters All other building entrances secured or controlled access A barrier exists between receptionist and patients Access to the treatment area from the waiting area is controlled Examination tables are positioned in rooms so that patients have an escape route Sharp objects are secured out of patient reach in treatment rooms

Prevention – Education / Training It is important to educate not only security guards but employees so that they can contribute to assessing and acting on threats. Teachout Security Solutions provided trainings MAP Training −Managing agitated patients −Focused training on staff attitude for positive contact in stressful situations −Team approach promotes positive attitude and maintains professionalism Quarterly drills for each code / response plan −Allows employees to practice an active response −Keeps the response plan fresh in the mind

Prevention – Alarm Systems Communication is key to alerting security and staff of potential or active threat. Methods to alarm individuals include: Security phone line and switchboard that is available 24/7 Radio communication between security team and other departments including emergency switchboard Panic buttons −Can be linked to create “pop-up” alarm messages to computer stations. Today come in a more cost effective IP-based software solution. Overhead loud speakers for broadcasting incident codes

Being Prepared Legally Incident Reporting Safety Meetings Education and Response Planning

Legal – Incident Reporting Use an incident reporting software system similar to Report Exec −Recorder who reported the incident −Time management features track incident creation, changes −Easily searched for reference at a later date −Review trends based on hotspots of activity −Provides visibility to group performance and audits Quality Reporting −Who, what, where, when and why −First and last names of all involved including patients, employees and outside law enforcement Consulting with Compliance and Risk Officer and Facilities Director when appropriate

Legal – Safety Meetings Hold regular safety meetings on a monthly basis. Benefits include: Maintain communication between all departments Review process and response plans Look for opportunities to improve standards Keep everyone informed

Legal – Education and Response Planning If proper education and training is not put in place an organization can be held accountable. Establish education requirements for all employees and security officers Create and implement a safety drill schedule Document and distribute all response plans and have a procedure for maintaining them