Personal Safety

Work place violence is a serious threat, and it is on the rise. Work place violence includes:

• arson 
• assault
• murder
• hostage taking
• rape
• robbery
• stalking
• threats/intimidation
• vandalism

Anyone can commit workplace violence. It may be a person at work place outside or inside your organization:

• an angry employee or customer
• a bitter ex-employee
• the jealous partner of an employee

Work together to make your work place more secure

• Both you and your employer play important roles. Your employer is taking steps to keep you safe at work. You can help by cooperating with these efforts.
• Prevention is the key to stopping workplace violence. When everyone has a "safety-first" attitude, the threat of violence can be greatly reduced.
• A safe and secure work place is your right and your responsibility. You can make a difference.

Start by following these security guidelines:

• Learn your organization's policies
• Always follow proper procedures
• Take part in training programs
• Know what to do in an emergency
• Stay alert for signs of trouble
• Trust your instincts in the work place
• Evaluate and assess a situation before you act
• Report all incidents
• Take all threats seriously! Be safe, not sorry.

Watch for warning signs that a person may be losing control:

• threats, insults, sexual comments
• unreasonable demands, constant complaining
• shouting and swearing
• threatening gestures
• carrying a weapon
• having alcohol or other drug usage at the workplace
• nervous pacing
• extreme change in appearance and/or mood
• Not everyone who shows these signs will become violent. However, it's best to stay cautious and alert

Guard Your Personnel Safety

• Stay Alert, Always be aware of your surroundings. Be careful around people you don't know or who have a history of violence.
• Don't make yourself an easy target; look confident, carry a minimum amount of cash. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry in public. If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body
• Vary your routine; vary the times you leave from home and work. Notify your supervisor or security if your working late
• Travel with someone, if you can. Keep doors locked at all times
• Always take the safest -NOT the shortest- route home
• Consider taking a self-defense course
• Avoid trouble spots; parking in isolated lots, riding elevators alone with a stranger, using poorly-lit stairways and doorways
• If being followed turn to look at the person-this shows you're alert of your surroundings. Change directions or cross the street. Go to a safe place where there are people, if you are still being followed call the police

Harassing Phone Calls

• Hang up immediately
• Keep a record of all calls
• Report calls to your supervisor or the police