subject: Is Your Company's Workplace Violence Plan A Waste Of Paper? [print this page] Many companies have attempted to deal with the threat of violence in the workplace by hiring consultants who specialize in the prevention of workplace violence. And, after hundreds of hours and many thousands or millions of dollars, they have what they believe to be the answers to eliminating the liability and cost to life and property that this type of aggression often leads to.
But, have they really done anything at all?
The answer for most companies is, unfortunately... yes.
While the world in general watches crime in the streets, terrorist activity on many fronts, and a war that may or may not be doing what it's supposed to, there is a hidden threat that rears its ugly head in the workplaces of, not only American businesses, but businesses around the world. I'm talking about workplace violence - an ever-present danger to workers and management alike.
Many companies have met this threat by hiring consultants who specialize in the prevention of workplace violence. And, after hundreds of hours and many thousands or millions of dollars, they have what they believe to be the answers to eliminating the liability and cost to life and property that this type of aggression often leads to. But, have they really done anything at all?
In my opinion, the answer is no.
Why would I say such a thing? After all, why wouldn't you want everyone to know that you have:
Zero-tolerance policies
Reporting procedures
Banned weapons lists, and...
Training for your employees in subjects like politically-correct communications methods that serve to make everyone feel like they're part of the "team?"
What's wrong with these things?
To which I answer, absolutely nothing. They're great. And, unfortunately, when an actual attack is taking place...
They are absolutely worthless. As worthless as, how do they say it...?
"As worthless as the paper they're written on!"
Prevention is Only Part of the Plan
Pacifists would say that, prevention is the best medicine. And I would agree, if...prevention was universally guaranteed. And, in a perfect world, it might be.
But, in the real world where the rest of us live, prevention is only a part of the solution.
Let me ask you a question.
What if you followed your doctor's instructions for the prevention of a disease or other physical problem...and ended up with that very thing anyway?
What then?
You'd go back to the doctor for a cure, wouldn't you?
You'd want him to be able to take effective action to deal with the problem. Right?
But, what if your doctor said, "sorry, all we ever developed were things that we thought would prevent the disease. We never really developed a cure for it. Now that you actually have it, we don't know what to do"
Can you imagine that?
And yet, that's exactly what most companies have done with the development of their workplace violence plans. In effect, they've put all their "eggs" in the proverbial prevention "basket" and left it at that.
If your company's workplace violence plan is loaded with the elements I've listed above - if it lacks the crucial elements and training that will keep you and your employees safe during an actual attack...
...you could be setting yourself up for a serious dilemma, not to mention the possibility of serious liability issues should something ever occur. Of course you could bet your job, your company, or your life that nothing will happen. But, if you were going to that...
...you wouldn't have created a plan in the first place.
