MAFAA Spring Conference Madden’s Resort, Brainerd, MN May 9, 2013 Mike Turner Safety and Security Manager The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN

 Define workplace violence  Common myths  Warning signs  Response options  Ways to make your office safer

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OSHA - Definition Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting.

 Each week, an average of 20 workers are murdered and 18,000 are assaulted in America.  Resulting in nearly 2 million workers being victims of workplace violence each year  Simple and aggravated assaults comprising the largest portion The truth is, workplace violence can strike anywhere, anytime, and no one is immune.

 Threating behavior  Verbal or written threats  Harassment – intimidation, bullying  Stalking  Physical attacks  Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence spillover  Bomb Threats  Active Shooter

Myths  No one knew  Never saw it coming  They just snapped  The issue will resolve itself  You cannot do anything to prevent it  It can’t happen here  If something bad happens, someone else will know how to react  We don’t have the time or money to deal with this now

Realities  Erratic or abnormal behavior is a warning sign of possible future violence.  Warnings can be through comments, feelings, or thoughts. There are flags along the path to violence.

 Is an evolutionary one  With signs along the way

Signs of stress that could erupt into violence  Depression  Erratic behavior  Aggressive outbursts  Talking in a louder-than-normal voice  Uses abusive or threating language  Being startled easily  Increased irritability

Signs of stress that could erupt into violence (continued)  Impatience  Concentration and memory problems  Glares or avoids eye contact  Gets uncomfortably close  Slams doors  Punches walls  Throws things

 TRUST your intuition. If you feel scared or uneasy, act on it right away.  Stay calm – do not raise your voice to match theirs  Empathize – listen to understand and communicate respect.

 Be aware of your body language and the other person's.  Try to keep a safe distance and avoid physical contact if possible.  If you cannot calm the situation down, call for help or look for opportunities to move away.

Flight, Fight, or Freeze Get Help: Call as soon as you are in a safe place

 Video

 Evaluate your office layout  Can you lock your door from the inside?  Panic buttons or telephone alert system  Develop a Code for aggressive individuals  Establish a safe room for meetings  Have meetings with co-workers with you  With perceived threats, have security near by

 Does your institution have a workplace violence prevention program?  Provide employee training on workplace violence.  How to recognize the red flags  Verbal de-escalation skills  Table Top Exercise  Report all threats ◦ Threat Assessment Team, Student Support Services, Dean of Students, Human Resources, Security

 Assess your work environment  Pay attention to the warning signs  Promote respect  Eliminate potential weapons  Know your violence response procedures  Trust your instincts  Use a team approach

References  Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)  Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. (CPI)  Center for Personal Protection & Safety

MAFAA Spring Conference Madden’s Resort, Brainerd, MN May 9, 2013 Mike Turner Safety and Security Manager The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN