2022 Workplace Violence Virtual Master Class: Active Shooter Preparation and Response Strategies

OSHA reports that nearly every business must have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place to ensure its employees can safely exit the facility in the event of an emergency. So, what types of security measures need to be put in place ahead of an active shooter incident?

This session will teach you how to:

• Perform a risk, threat, and vulnerability assessment on corresponding operational areas—campuses, buildings, offices, programs, projects, and tasks.
• Immediately address deficiencies on the assessment reports.
• Evaluate the safety of your facility and use the information you have collected to determine whether you’re at a low, moderate, or high risk for security breaches.
• Comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act 1970, Section 5 A & B.
• Grasp what’s being protected, both tangible and intangible assets; how such assets should be protected; who should protect them; and when they should be protected.
• Manage, transfer, accept, distribute, and/or ignore risk in accordance with best industry practices and compliance with corresponding laws and controls.
• Spot tangible and intangible red flags and the ramifications of business-proactive initiatives.

Often, those who will commit violent acts exhibit signs and symptoms that may serve as valuable clues as to their state of mind and their potential actions. During this session, our expert presenters will discuss the many signs to watch out for among the workforce and how to strategically—and legally—address employees who may be at risk for acting out in violent ways. For instance:

• What might repeated unexcused absences signal?
• What steps can you legally take to get to the root of those callouts while complying with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act?
• Or, what if someone exhibits poor hygiene, has a history of substance abuse, or is struggling with mental health-related issues? Could these be signs to watch for, and what’s the best course of action for addressing them without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Organizations can no longer view workplace violence as an outlier, an unpredictable situation that doesn’t require preparation. OSHA can and does cite employers that fail to take steps to protect their employees from known workplace violence risks under the General Duty Clause, and a growing number of states are implementing their own workplace violence prevention requirements.

This session will help you understand how to manage and report concerning or inappropriate behavior. You'll also learn:

• Strategies for creating the opportunity for employees to bring concerning behavior forward,
• How to identify behavioral warning signs and behavioral indicators,
• The importance of focusing on concerning behavior vs. concerning people, and
• How to prepare supervisors and managers to respond to concerning behavior.

Have lingering questions about points raised during the first day of this intensive workshop, or want to revisit a fundamental concept or two from earlier in the day? Take advantage of this opportunity to get clarification from the speaker before you wrap up for the day.