4 Crucial Steps for Protecting Employees from Workplace Danger & Violence
In many work environments, managers don’t view coworkers and employees as staff members, but as family members. If you’re lucky enough to work with a well-bonded team, you know that keeping employees safe is of the utmost importance. If an emergency or dangerous situation were to arise, you’d lose more than profits– you’d lose dear friends.
Unfortunately, we live in a time where public acts of violence are all too common. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security has developed a four-step approach for businesses to protect workers from violence and other dangers. These steps include:
- Connect
- Plan
- Train
- Report
If you’re a business owner or employee manager, and you think it’s time to upgrade your work family’s safety procedures, read on. Here’s a brief guide to fostering a secure work environment using these four principles:
1. Connect
This first step refers to establishing relationships with your local community, including police departments and other safety organizations. By creating a connection with local law enforcement, the police will be able to better respond to your specific needs should an incident occur. The “connect” step might also entail reaching out to armed guard services or security companies to begin learning more about workplace safety.
2. Plan
Next, establish plans and procedures for different emergency situations. Learn which geographic or industry threats your business may be prone to. Create step-by-step protocols for handling scenarios like natural disasters, workplace thefts, or acts of violence. Plans might include evacuation routes or guidelines for safely handling armed robberies. Often, security companies can help businesses develop strategic plans for a variety of dangerous scenarios.
3. Train
Once your plans are well established, it’s time to ensure your team members are educated and informed about protocols. Give employees access to both written training guides and safety workshops. Keep an emergency booklet handy, and consider researching security companies that offer guided business safety training sessions.
4. Report
The Department of Homeland Security’s final step for managing workplace dangers and violence involves conveying information to authorities. Encourage employees to report suspicious behaviors or object to the police. Unattended vehicles, lingering visitors that seem to have no business with the establishment, abandoned parcels, and any other unusual behaviors are worthy of a report.
By following these four steps, you and your team will be better prepared for common workplace dangers. For more information about keeping your company and employees secure, give us a call at High Class Security today!
