2013 Wisconsin Safety Counsel Workplace Violence/Emergency Planning/Active Shooter Response Presented by Dave Droster & Debbie Berning Seminar Overview Mindset of Awareness ✦ Workplace Violence ✦ ✦ Definition Stats OSHA Guidelines Forming a Multidisciplinary Team Myths Workplace Violence Spectrum Behaviors of Concern Commitment to Action ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Formula Flash Point Action Point Common Inhibitors to Reporting Available Reporting Options Workplace Violence Defined A spectrum of behaviors – including overt acts of violence, threats, and other conduct that generates a reasonable concern for safety from violence, where a nexus exists between the behavior and the physical safety of employees and others (such as customers, clients, and business associates) on-site, or off-site when related to the organization. 2012 Bureau of Labor and Statistics Data • Nearly 2 million Americans report they’ve been victims of violence at work. • 1 in 9 workplace fatalities were homicides. • Homicide is the most common cause of workplace fatalities in women. Video The OSHA General Duty Clause 29 USC § 654 - Duties of Employers and Employees (a) Each employer— (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; (2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this chapter. (b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this chapter which are applicable to his own actions and conduct. Workplace Violence Prevention Program Requirements There are currently no specific standards for workplace violence, however: • The courts have interpreted OSHA General Duty Clause to mean that an employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free of conditions or activities that either the employer or industry recognizes as hazardous and that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees when there is a feasible method to abate the hazard. • An employer that has experienced acts of workplace violence, or becomes aware of threats, intimidation, or other indicators showing that the potential for violence in the workplace exists, would be on notice of the risk of workplace violence and should implement a workplace violence prevention program combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training. Considerations for Program Development What is a Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention Program: A coordinated collection of policies, procedures, and practices adopted by an organization to help prevent workplace violence and to assist the organization in effectively responding to reports of problematic behavior made under the organization’s workplace violence prevention policy. Establishing Multidisciplinary Involvement An organization should begin by considering who within the organization will hold responsibility for: • Developing and implementing the Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention Program • Conducting ongoing Threat Management • Periodically assessing the effectiveness of the Program. Top-Management Commitment An organization should obtain the participation of executive or top-level management in: • Establishing the program as an organizational priority • Reviewing and approving a prevention policy. • Appointing appropriate personnel to develop, implement, and monitor the Program. • Providing sufficient resources and authorizations to maintain the Program • Providing sufficient resources and authorizations as required during Incident Management Other Key Stakeholders and Participants Human Resources • Assumes a leadership role in: – Developing the overall program, and relevant policies, procedures, and practices – Organizing and conducting training – Participating in incident management – Enforcing workplace violence policies through appropriate corrective action. Stakeholders and Participants Security • Can contribute practical expertise related both to prevention and intervention such as: – on-site physical security – Initial incident assessment – Investigations – employee background screening – incident management techniques – Law Enforcement liaison Stakeholders and Participants Legal • Can ensure the organization has met legal requirements related to violence prevention • Can provide legal guidance during the investigation • Can ensure that it properly navigates the numerous legal issues that arise during incident management Stakeholders and Participants Safety and Health Personnel • Workplace violence prevention, intervention, and response is an integral part of an organization’s occupational injury and illness prevention program. – Safety and health personnel should keep employers and employees aware of developments in OSHA requirements or recommended guidelines bearing on violence prevention, and assist the organization with compliance. – Safety personnel will assist the organization in executing OSHA record-keeping and reporting requirements. Stakeholders and Participants Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) • EAP personnel may become involved in prevention and intervention efforts in several ways: – As part of efforts to resolve an incident – Engaged to provide psychological counseling to employees or workgroups affected by a threat or violent incident. – EAP personnel involved in counseling may receive information that triggers an obligation to warn Stakeholders and Participants Crisis Management Personnel • Can play a role in ensuring that the organization’s workplace violence prevention and intervention program includes means to address and recover from emergency situations caused by a violent incident or threat. • Can contribute in developing a crisis management process that includes a consideration of possible violent incidents Stakeholders and Participants Risk Management Personnel • Can ensure that workers’ compensation and other liability insurance policies are maintained so that the organization is adequately insured against any losses from a violent workplace incident. • Can also support efforts by the organization to implement a workplace violence prevention and intervention program as part of the organization’s overall risk management practices. Stakeholders and Participants Public Relations/Corporate Communications • Can help the organization manage the media and other outside parties • Can play an instrumental role in helping to develop internal communications Please Enjoy A 10 Minute Break What Should A WPV Policy Look Like • Place all employees on notice • Establishes zero tolerance • Requirement to report behaviors of concern • Supported by top management • Specific discipline defined • Continuously reviewed and improved Workplace Violence Behaviors that can cause: ✦ Personal injury ✦ Damage property ✦ Impede the normal course of work ✦ Cause workers/managers/ customers to fear for their safety Workplace Violence Include: ✦ Assaults ✦ Threats ✦ Stalking ✦ Harassment ✦ Domestic Violence ✦ Workplace Homicides ✦ ✦ Intimidation Bullying Merely represent the “tip of the iceberg” The Categories of Workplace Violence Four broad categories: TYPE 1: Violent acts by criminals who have no other connection with the work-place, but enter to commit robbery or another crime TYPE 2: Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, or others to whom services is provided TYPE 3: Violence against coworkers, supervisors, or managers by a present or former employee TYPE 4: Violence committed in the workplace by someone who doesn’t work there, but has a personal relationship with an employee—an abusive spouse or domestic partner Some Myths on WPV “Out of the blue...” “Just snapped...” “If left alone, events will resolve themselves...” “Employees can’t do anything to stop it...” It couldn’t happen here...” Workplace Violence Spectrum ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ May not be a linear progression To the right are acts of overt violence causing physical injury and/or death Moving to the left are psychological and emotional violence To the far left are Behaviors of Concern No profile of a workplace violence offender Some Behaviors of Concern There are behaviors that suggest the potential for future violence ✦ If there’s a behavior that makes you uncomfortable, it’s best to listen to what may be an intuitive warning If you see something or sense something, say something May be an innocent explanation for behavior if left unaddressed, could escalate and contribute to a toxic work environment Behaviors of Concern The following may alert supervisors to potential problems ✦ Threats, frequent aggressive outbursts, or excessive displays of temper ✦ History of threats/violent acts ✦ Ominous fascination with weapons and/or references to weapons, violent media content, or violent events Behaviors of Concern ✦ Verbal abuse of co-workers and customers, or harassment through phone calls or emails ✦ Bizarre comments or behavior, including violent content ✦ Holding grudges, inability to handle criticism, making excuses, and blaming others ✦ Chronic, hypersensitive complaints about persecution ✦ Making jokes or offensive comments about violent acts Behaviors of Concern - Sadness Some Behaviors of Concern, such as sadness, might not look like they could lead to a Flash Point What begins as sadness may evolve into a serious depression and the potential for suicide ✦ Suicide is aggression turned inward; wherein homicide is aggression turned outward Behaviors of Concern Do not focus on “snapshots” ✦ No one behavior suggests a greater level of threat; significant changes in patterns of behavior are far more telling. Employee is sending out a personal “SOS” distress signal Learn to recognize the signals that could point in the direction of violence and then learn to respond to them Behaviors of Concern Minor non-violent conflicts that went unresolved built up until they were no longer manageable ✦ intervening early in a conflict may result in a resolution before the problem gets out of control When people go into a crisis state, it affects the way they think, feel, and behave Frequency, duration, and intensity are critical criteria when evaluating Behaviors of Concern A Triggering Event A reprimand, termination, or layoff Financial troubles, a separation, a divorce, or a death A loss, whether real or perceived, in someone’s personal or professional life “Injustice collectors” ✦ Will not forget or forgive those wrongs or the people he believes are responsible Facts About Workplace Violence Very few organizations will ever experience disturbed employees engaging in shooting sprees that wound and kill multiple victims A far greater number will face other forms of workplace violence ✦ ✦ Threatening behavior and violent events that are less spectacular and less deadly Nonetheless, significantly damage the well-being of an organization and place employees in harm’s way A Commitment to Action Workplace Violence Formula Awareness + Action = Prevention ✦ You can do something about many situations ✦ Action has to be appropriate: Follow the B&S WPV Reporting Process ✦ Without awareness and willingness to act, you truly become vulnerable What is the Briggs & Stratton Action Plan? ✦ An Obligation To Report • Every employee who witnesses, hears, overhears, or learns of a threat or incident under this policy is required to report it promptly to any supervisor, manager, or the Human Resources Department Good Faith vs. False Reports • No retaliation against employee who makes a good faith report – even if report could not be confirmed • Knowingly making a false report will subject employee to discipline/corrective action – including the possibility of immediate discharge The Flash Point The point on the Workplace Violence Spectrum where actual violence occurs ✦ Exact location can vary from one situation and individual to another Different actions in the work environment can trigger or cause a Flash Point ✦ May be the result of non-work related situations Domestic Violence Other Personal Issues The Action Point Recognition that violence may be an outcome; respond with an appropriate action Important to exercise caution when setting an early Action Point ✦ Important not to delay reporting a threat ✦ Better chance of containing a potentially violent event Minimize harmful consequences and prevent a recurrence Stress tolerance and coping skills are highly subjective: Everyone is different and will react differently to a situation. Common Inhibitors Lack of awareness ✦ Not trained to recognize Behaviors of Concern Psychological barriers ✦ Busybody or snitch Fear of retaliation Believe it is someone else’s responsibility ✦ If a flash point is triggered, it will affect you Reporting Process • • • • • • Person observing behavior Next level supervision Human Resources Security Department Legal Safety Summary Work from a mindset of awareness ✦ Don’t ignore Behaviors of Concern They will not go away and can escalate ✦ Learn how to recognize and how to report potentially violent situations ✦ Alert supervisors to concerns ✦ Report all incidents to Human Resources and the Security Department. Please Enjoy a 10 Minute Break Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking The Impact on the workplace “He may not know where she lives, but he does know where she works...” According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics, 85% of all victims of intimate partner violence are women. While intimate partner violence is not exclusively a male against female issue, it is clearly the predominant pattern. In this training program, the language and graphics used reflect this reality. Overview • • • • • Scope Intimate Partner Violence Behaviors of Concern Cycle of Violence Action Options Intimate Partner Violence Is Pervasive • Epidemic 1 woman out of 4 will be a victim in her lifetime • Toll on workplace 3-4 billion dollars per year in lost wages, productivity, and time away from work Catastrophic event could be an outcome Intimate Partner Violence Myth vs. Reality Myth • Doesn’t effect smart, successful individuals • Not a workplace issue Reality • Transcends all socioeconomic lines • Spillover effects are often subtle • Ripple effect Intimate Partner Violence Myth vs. Reality Myth • Only blatantly violent or lifethreatening scenarios can impact the workplace Reality • Most insidious effects can be silent—even invisible Intimate Partner Violence Definition A pattern of coercive behavior used by one person in an intimate relationship to gain power and control over another. Includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Physical Abuse • Not only battering May include pushing, hitting with a fist, slapping, shoving, kicking, choking, threatening with weapons... Emotional Abuse • Use of words to break a person’s spirit or destroy their self-esteem • Includes degradation, isolation, and control of actions/ behaviors through intimidation or manipulation • Effective strategy to destroy sense of self Behaviors of Concern Recognizing Abusive Relationships • Isolates from friends and family • Uses the children • Uses economic abuse • Uses emotional abuse • Uses stalking tactics Stalking • Pattern of harassing behaviors intended to frighten, intimidate, terrorize, or injure another person Primary motives include power, control, and possession Strong connection between stalking and intimate partner violence Behaviors of Concern • Abuser believes he has the right to control his partner Tells her what to do and expects obedience May use force to maintain power Feels partner has no right to challenge him Feels justified making her comply Blames abuse on his partner Early Relationship Indicators • Form attachments very quickly • Foundation of power and control may be built through flattery and adulation • Begins isolating victim from friends and family • May cohabitate; learns personal information and begins to control finances Power and Control Wheel Cycle of Violence • Tension-building phase • Abusive incident • Honeymoon phase Not all abusive relationships follow a recurring pattern or cycle Tension-Building Phase • Abuser believes his ability to control the victim is diminishing • Abuser becomes more temperamental and critical of victim • Victim minimizes problems; may try to placate abuser to prevent abuse • Victim may feel she is walking on eggshells Abusive Incident • Incident of violence or threat occurs More intense than during tension-building phase May increase in intensity with each act • Victim traumatized • Abuser blames victim Honeymoon Phase • Abuser is apologetic and loving Victim has mixed feelings • Abuser is manipulative Victim feels guilty and responsible • Abuser promises change Danger Zone • When victim terminates the relationship Breaking the cycle of violence • Victim moving out of home may result in workplace stalking Abuser control is no longer possible at home Danger Zone • Abuser may apply abusive tactics to the workplace Harassing phone calls Threatening to show up at the workplace Actually shows up at the workplace Danger zone not just limited to victim Restraining Order / Order of Protection • In US, 3 women per week are killed by their partners • Not uncommon for workplace to be listed as part of an Order of Protection Workplace may never be informed Wouldn’t you want to know? Action Options • Recognize (Behaviors of Concern) Injuries such as bruises, black eyes, broken bones Inappropriate clothing for the season Uncharacteristic absenteeism Change in job performance Emotional distress Unusual number of phone calls Action Options • Respond Show concern; be supportive Explain that intimate partner violence is a crime Listen in a non-judgmental way Provide company and community resources Contact HR specialist or Global Security Department Action Options • Refer Help victim connect with outside agencies EAP Battered women shelters National Center for Victims of Crime National Network to End Domestic Violence Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence Summary • • • • • See Something, Say Something Know The Behaviors of Concern Understand Your Responsibility to Report Understand the Cycle of Violence Remember there a resources available/EAP…. 10 MINUTE BREAK WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES HOW TO RESPOND TO AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IN THE WORKPLACE Survival Mindset and Courses of Action Survival Mindset and Courses of Action Overview ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Describe the “protective shield” Describe “figure out” Describe “get out” Describe “call out” Describe “hide out” Describe “keep out” Describe “spread out” Describe “take out” Survival Mindset Odds of one’s involvement in a workplace violence shooting There is a Better Chance of Being Struck By Lightning, However………. ✦ ✦ ✦ Consequences are potentially catastrophic Proper mindset and tools to react with purpose Incidents over quickly (10-15 minutes) First line of defense 2003 Study by Illinois State Police Academy on Active Shooters Action taken by personnel on-site most effective way to stop the killing Survival Mindset Odds of one’s involvement in workplace violence ✦ Workplace shootings can occur anytime, anywhere, to anyone ✦ ✦ Unlike any situation ever experienced Bottom Line: You need to take direct responsibility for your personal safety and security Survival Mindset is a protective shield Comprised of three components: Awareness, Preparation, and Rehearsal Survival Mindset Components ✦ Awareness Gain a basic understanding of situation Become attuned to work environment Predetermined mindset will help you take rapid, effective actions Survival Mindset Components ✦ Preparation Looking at your work environment through the lens of survival “What if” questions are critical in developing effective response strategies Survivors prepare themselves both mentally and emotionally to do whatever it takes to survive ✦ Rehearsal ✦ Mentally or physically practicing your plan Will reduce response time and build confidence A survival inoculation KEEP IN MIND Life-Threatening Risk ✦ Any action taken, or not taken, during an active-shooter incident may involve life-threatening risk Survival Mindset ✦ Will provide a strong foundation upon which to base decisions and actions Courses of Action Figure Out ✦ How are you going to survive? ✦ Will you get out? ✦ Will you hide out? ✦ Is there a path of escape? Is there a chance to get to where the shooter may not find you? Is your only option to take out the shooter? Courses of Action Trained versus Untrained ✦ ✦ First response is the same for both groups Reactions begin to differ markedly from there Trained Untrained Startle and Fear Startle and Fear Feel Anxious Panic Recall what they have learned Fall into disbelief Prepare to react as rehearsed Lost in Denial Commit to action Descend into helplessness Courses of Action Survival Mindset ✦ ✦ Enables you to act quickly and effectively Mindful, not fearful Airline safety briefing Better able to make that first, critical decision Continuous assessment process ✦ ✦ ✦ Allows you to take appropriate survival action Use all senses Trust you intuition—that “gut” feeling Knowing without knowing why Courses of Action Get Out ✦ ✦ ✦ Move quickly; don’t wait for others to validate your decision Leave belongings behind Survival chances increase if not where shooter is or to go where he can’t see you Call Out ✦ ✦ Inform authorities Call 9-1-1 and tell them name of shooter (if known), shooter description, location, number and type of weapons Courses of Action Hide Out ✦ May not be able to get out ✦ Shooter between you and the only exit Would have to enter area where shooter is positioned Hiding place Well hidden and well protected Avoid places that might trap you or restrict movement Courses of Action Keep Out ✦ Find a room that can be locked with objects to hide behind ✦ Blockade door with heavy furniture ✦ Turn out lights; become totally silent ✦ Turn off noise-producing devices ✦ Call 9-1-1 (If you can do so without alerting the shooter) Courses of Action Spread Out ✦ If two or more of you, DO NOT huddle together Gives you options and makes it harder for the shooter ✦ Quietly develop a plan of action in the event the shooter enters ✦ Remain calm Can have a contagious effect on others Keeps others focused on survival Courses of Action Take Out ✦ Assume shooter’s intentions are lethal ✦ Shooter will succeed in killing all those with whom he comes in contact, UNLESS you stop him ✦ Develop a survival mindset that you have “what it takes” to survive when your life is on the line Courses of Action Take Out ✦ You must be prepared to do whatever it takes to neutralize the threat Throw things, yell, use improvised weapons If two or more of you, make a plan to overcome the shooter Do the best that you can—choose to survive Courses of Action As events unfold, you must continue to Figure Out using your personal assessment process ✦ ✦ Adjust your actions accordingly No two active shooter incidents are the same September 11th conventional wisdom ✦ ✦ Until that tragic day, guidance called for those involved to be calm, non-threatening United Flight 93 changed that guidance; passengers quickly figured out what was occurring and took action Prevented further loss of life Summary ✦ “Figure out” ✦ “Spread out” ✦ “Get out” ✦ “Take out” ✦ “Call out” ✦ “Hide out” ✦ “Keep out” Arm Yourself with a Survival Mindset Distinctions Between an Active Shooter and a Hostage Situation Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Overview ✦ Distinctions between an Active Shooter and a Hostage Situation ✦ How to assist Law Enforcement responders ✦ Key information needed by Law Enforcement responders Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Require different behavioral responses Active Shooter ✦ ✦ An armed individual who has used deadly force and continues to do so with unrestricted access Can involve ✦ Single shooters, multiple shooters Close encounters, distant encounters Targeted students, random victims Single-room confrontations, mobile confrontations No two situations are alike Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Hostage Situation ✦ Involves an armed and dangerous individual who may or may not have already used deadly force ✦ In most cases, his access will be restricted; significant difference is the containment of the offender and victim ✦ Motive can vary between substantive or expressive Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation ✦ Substantive motives include those things the hostage-taker cannot obtain for himself (money, escape, etc.) Holds hostages to force fulfillment of demands upon a third party Makes direct or implied threats to harm hostages if demands are not met Primary goal is to achieve demands; not to harm hostages Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation ✦ Expressive motives include compensating for a loss No substantive or escape demands OR totally unrealistic demands Act in an emotional, senseless, and selfdestructive way No clear goals; exhibit purposeless/selfdefeating behavior Believe they have been wronged; strong emotions disrupt their ability to reason Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Hostage-Takers ✦ Express their behavior or vent their frustration ✦ Undertake actions that bring them into contact with Law Enforcement Realize that ONLY by keeping their hostages alive can they hope to achieve their goals Understand failure to do so will: change the incident dynamics increase likelihood authorities will use force to resolve the incident Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Hostage survival can be enhanced if you: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Remain calm Follow directions Avoid sudden movements Maintain eye contact (but don’t stare) ✦ Find the middle position (not too assertive/passive) ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Personalize yourself Don’t argue Don’t be a nuisance Don’t turn your back Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Law Enforcement Negotiation Efforts ✦ Will take time; be mentally prepared for a protracted situation ✦ Law Enforcement negotiators will use active listening skills to: • Communicate with hostage-taker • Defuse emotions • Build rapport • Work towards a peaceful resolution ✦ Historically, most hostage situations have been resolved through negotiations and ended peacefully Law Enforcement Responders Law Enforcement Responders Interacting with Law Enforcement Responders ✦ Do NOT expect officers to assist you as you get out • Primary job is to locate the shooter and neutralize the threat • Medical assistance will follow once the threat is neutralized ✦ Law Enforcement must assume everyone is a threat to their safety • Be prepared to: – have weapons pointed in your direction – be subject to search – be handcuffed Law Enforcement Responders Interacting with Law Enforcement Responders ✦ When Law Enforcement officers enter the room, do not present a threat to them • Do NOT – Point at them or the shooter – Make quick movements – Run towards them or attempt to hug them – Scream or yell Law Enforcement Responders ✦ Interacting with Law Enforcement Responders • Do NOT – Have anything in your hands; officers are taught that “hands kill” • DO – – – – Raise your arms Spread your fingers Show hands as you drop to the floor Spread arms and legs Law Enforcement Responders Key Information ✦ Be prepared to calmly, quickly, and accurately provide: • Name of shooter (if known) • Number of shooters • Description of shooter • Location of shooter • Number and types of weapons carried by shooter Summary ✦Distinctions between an Active Shooter and a Hostage Situation ✦How to assist Law Enforcement responders ✦Key information needed by Law Enforcement responders Work Shop Summary • • • • If You See Something, Say Something Know how to report what you see Know what resources are available If lighting strikes….. have a survival mindset. Questions or Comments