Violence can affect everyone in their workplace. But what can you do as an employer to protect your employees?
Assess your Workplace
A hazard vulnerability or security assessment of your facility is important to allow organizations to understand the hazards they face. This will allow implementation of prevention measures to be put in action and talking points developed for employee training initiatives.
Implement Policies and Protocols
Based on the hazard assessment, a prevention policy should be implemented. This assessment would encompass:
- Safety protocols for employees including emergency response protocols in how to deal with an event.
- Develop proper procedures for reporting an event or assaults at work and investigating violence incidents at work.
- Details of employer’s commitment to providing violence-free workplace environment for employees.
- Develop a behavioral threat assessment policy.
Staff Training
Staff members should be informed about any violence prevention policy and protocols. The best way to communicate this information is through safety training sessions. Employees should undergo training in an Active Assailant response or de-escalation session, as well as an options-based approach. This ensures that staff comprehend there isn’t a singular method to handle a violent situation and equips them with the necessary skills to respond effectively if such an event occurs.
Safety training is particularly effective for vulnerable employees, such as those working alone, who can be more at risk of violence and assault. If they do experience an event while on the job, there isn’t the help or support of a co-worker if they need it.
Re-Assessment and Re-Evaluation
Emergency situations are an unfortunate reality that every organization must identify, prepare for and continually reassess. Emergency management planning can help ensure your organization is prepared for when the unexpected strikes through a variety of training exercises. Be sure to conduct drills and table top exercises around your plans.
Complete a workplace violence assessment at least once a year and review the findings. If any violent event occurs within the year, take the time to review the details of the incident and develop any lessons learned. Review if any changes to the policy are needed or additional training for staff. This will help your facility continue finding new ways to mitigate or prevent workplace violence.
Insurance Coverage
In the aftermath of an active assailant event, organizations may confront a maze of financial and legal challenges, from immediate crisis management needs to long-term reputational damage. Traditional general liability and property insurance policies are often ill-equipped to cover the breadth of consequences stemming from these incidents.
Moreover, business interruption losses can extend far beyond the physical damage period, encompassing patient attrition to competitors, increased operational costs during recovery, and the substantial task of rebuilding public trust. These nuanced risks underscore the critical insurance gaps that facilities must navigate to ensure comprehensive protection.
What Comprehensive Insurance Can Provide
Against this backdrop of escalating risks and potential insurance inadequacies, Active Assailant coverage emerges as an essential element of an organization’s risk management strategy. This specialized insurance is designed to fill the gaps left by traditional policies, offering a lifeline in the chaotic aftermath of an assailant event. Here’s how it can shield your business:
- Reputational Harm Mitigation: In the era of instant communication, an organization’s response to a crisis can significantly impact its reputation. Active Assailant insurance can provide for crisis management and public relations efforts to address misinformation, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and begin the process of reputational repair.
- Loss of Income Coverage: Recognizing that the financial implications of an active assailant event extend beyond physical damages, this insurance can offer coverage for business interruption, compensating for lost income during closure or reduced operations, and aiding in the retention or recruitment of staff affected by the incident.
- Comprehensive Support Services: From covering the unforeseen costs associated with funerals and medical care for victims to funding post-event counseling and psychiatric care for survivors, Active Assailant insurance acknowledges the human element of the crisis, offering support where it is most needed.
Reach out to an Advisor
Contact SISCO Risk consulting to schedule a hazard vulnerability assessment, Active Shooter Interactive classroom training or tabletop exercises or to discuss your insurance coverages.