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Summary:
Violence of any sort has many roots. Sometimes there are warning signs
of workplace violence, but this is not always the case. It
is up to us to learn whatever we can to prevent, identify,
and mitigate any threats, and this comprehensive workshop
includes everything a workplace leader needs to get started.
Anger
Understanding the Behavior Wheel
During
this session, we will look at Albert Bandura's behavior
wheel. We will also explore how it applies to violence and
anger.
The Anger
Management Process
Dr. Lynn
McClure, an anger management specialist, has identified a
seven-step process to manage anger (yours or someone
else's). We will examine this process in detail through a
lecture and through role play presentations.
Communicating Better
Communicating effectively can often help prevent people from
getting angry. We will explore some key communication
skills, including a four-step assertive message, listening
skills, questioning skills, and three keys to unlock the
best in people.
Basic
Problem Solving Tools
Being an
effective problem solver is another way a person can help
prevent anger. We will spend most of the afternoon of Day
One looking at a three-phase problem solving model and a
problem solving toolkit. Participants will then apply these
skills to a case study and to a personal problem.
Other
Ways of Managing Anger
During
this session, participants will discover some ways to manage
their own anger, including coping thoughts, strategies to
unwind, and relaxation techniques.
A Systems
Approach
The
second day of the workshop will focus on how an organization
can plan to prevent workplace violence, using Norman Keith's
nine stage plan as a framework.
Developing a Policy and Program
A
properly implemented violence policy and program is crucial
to preventing workplace violence. We will look at both the
policy and the program in detail.
Risk
Assessment
A risk
assessment will help the organization identify possible
security and safety concerns. We will look at a five-step
plan that any organization can use to assess these risks.
Participants will apply this plan to a case study.
Hiring
Practices
During
this session, we will discuss some things that you can do at
the hiring stage to help prevent workplace violence.
Workplace
Design
The
physical environment of the workplace can contribute to, or
help prevent, workplace violence. We will explore some of
these considerations through a case study.
Workplace
Practices and Procedures
We will
look at how training, Human Resources policies, staff
management, and security measures can help make your
workplace a safer place. Participants will then complete a
case study to apply these ideas.
Security
Systems and Personnel
During
this session, we will look at some things that a security
system can be made up of, including security staff, access
restrictions, surveillance cameras, and intercoms. Then,
participants will design a security plan for the Acme
Widgets Company.
Training
Programs
Training
staff in some of the skills that we have learned, such as
problem solving or communication, can also help prevent
violence. We will learn about an eight-step plan that can
help participants identify, plan, and implement training
programs.
Developing Emergency Response Plans
It is
crucial that employees know what to do in case of an
incident. We will discuss some incidents to be prepared for
and we will discuss what an ERP should cover.
Program
Review
Constant
review and re-evaluation are necessary to ensure your
violence prevention program works. We will look at some
components of this review and when it should be performed.
Developing a Threat Response Process
For the
third day of the workshop, we will work on developing a plan
to respond to a violent threat or incident. We will use a
14-stage plan developed by Drs. James Turner, Michael
Gelles, and Chris Hatcher, as our framework. Participants
will take on the role of the threat assessment team and will
work on a single case study throughout the day.
Consulting with the Experts
Depending
on the situation, you may find that you need outside help.
This session will discuss who should be brought in, when
they should be contacted, and how they should be contacted.
Gathering
Additional Information
Once the
basic facts have been gathered and outside experts have been
consulted, the threat assessment team should determine what
other information is necessary. This session will provide
some things that should be considered.
Communicating Incidents and Threats
The next
step in the threat response process is to establish a
communication plan. We will give participants a template and
some tips on communicating effectively.
Interviewing Employees
Stages
seven and eight in the threat response process involve
talking to the violent person. We will look at how to plan
and interview the person, and then participants will have a
chance to role play an interview.
Risk
Level Analysis
At this
stage, the threat assessment team will have gathered enough
information to determine the severity of the threat or
incident. We will look at a five-stage continuum that can
help the team decide how to respond to the threat based on
the severity level.
Reviewing
the Options
Once the
team has identified the severity level, a long term plan can
be put into place. During this session, we will look at some
options that can be used.
Analyzing
the Impact
Now that
the threat has been dealt with, it is time to debrief the
affected people. We will look at some that will likely need
follow-up and forms that follow-up can take.
Incident
Response Checklist
During
this session, we will look at a checklist developed by Dr.
Robert Turner that the threat assessment team can use
throughout the threat response process.
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