Keep employees safe

We live in a world where bad things happen to good people every day. However, if you are a leader in the workplace, you are responsible for the safety and security of those you lead

According to an article by Mark Sanborn on the Entrepreneur website, here are seven very important thinking points:

1. Come to terms with reality.

It can happen in your workplace. A perpetrator can be someone you know, or a complete stranger. Living in denial is the riskiest strategy of all. Post-tragedy interviews prove the point: “I could never imagine it happening here,” you’ll often hear.

2. Be aware and teach awareness.

Criminals use the element of surprise. By paying closer attention to unusual or suspicious behaviour and challenging it, you can reconfigure the odds. Don’t be afraid to enquire or report. Be polite, but assertive, in challenging anyone acting strangely.

3. Get expert advice.

Law enforcement officials are usually willing to offer suggestions, and even courses. Private enterprises can teach and provide security. Find someone in
your community who is a proven expert in workplace safety. The safest and most effective behaviour
isn’t always intuitive, but an expert will know what works best.

4. Develop a plan.

Make sure every employee understands what needs to happen should there be a crisis, whether by a violent person or a natural disaster. A written plan of action should be included in your policies and procedures manual. It is a good idea to vet this plan with your legal counsel.

5. You need to be ahead of the game.

Don’t put off doing what needs to be done to ensure your safety and that of your team. Many alarm systems are purchased only after a break-in, for example.

6. Do the drill.

It isn’t enough to have a plan that others can’t implement. Every quarter, or at least every six months, alert your employees to a drill and practise it so that people know what to do, and where to go, in case of specific emergencies.

7. Find leaders within your team.

These individuals can serve as captains to help coordinate and take additional responsibility in case of an emergency. Make workplace security a team effort.

8. Consider providing a basic self-defence and safety course to all employees.

It’s an employee perk that will not only be appreciated, but could potentially save lives.