Tips you need to know about Workplace Violence
By John H. Thurman, M.Div., M.A., LCMHC
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It happened again today workplace violence in my town...”three killed four injured...three killed...In the past few years many of us have been exposed to workplace violence stories, either directly or indirectly.
Just what is Workplace Violence?
A physical act, actual violence, or threat of violence toward an institution, its staff members, visitors, guests, or vendor’s representatives. It includes intimidation, harassment, and other inappropriate behavior that threatens or frightens employees. (adapted from OSHA workplace violence fact sheet).
There are three types of WPV (Work Place Violence):
Harassment - which is intended to upset or worry the victim. May not be interpreted in the same way by the perpetrators as the victims, yet its abusive nature must not be tolerated.
Threats - Involve an expression of one’s intention to inflict injury.
Attacks - Physical forms involve assault and the most brutal attack results in homicide.
OSHA also reports that homicide the third leading cause of fatal occupational injuries.
So are their indicators of a workplace aggressor?
Yes, according to various researches there are three broad sources or causes of Violence.
Personal causes:
The individual’s behavior, values and socialization
The individual’s mental and physical health, low self-esteem
Habits, substance abuse, Domestic violence & obsessions
Behavioral warning signs
Previous history of violence
Loner, withdrawal, emotional problems
Some type of obsession
Social causes associated with
Perceives social and emotional inequalities
Poverty, violence, crime in society
Social and family disintegration
Profile of the “disgruntled worker” (a summary from The Gift of Fear, Gavin De Becker)
Male, 25-40
History of violence (family or other)
Loner
Owns firearms
Exhibits frequent anger at work
Employment history shows conflict
History of marital, family, and relational problems
Drug or alcohol history
Coping with Threats and Violence ( from the Federal Protective Service U.S. GSA)
For an angry or hostile customer or coworker
Stay calm. Listen attentively
Maintain eye contact
Be courteous. Be patient
Keep the situation in your control
For a person shouting, swearing, and threatening
Signal a coworker, or supervisor, that you need help. (Use a duress alarm or a prearranged code words)
Do not make any calls yourself.
Have someone call security, or police
For someone threatening you with a gun, knife, or other weapon
Stay calm. Quietly signal for help. (Use duress alarm system or code words)
Maintain eye contact.
Stall for time.
Keep talking--but follow instructions from the person who has a weapon.
Do not risk harm to yourself or others
Never try to grab the weapon.
Watch for a safe chance to escape to a safe area.
What to do when Violence Explodes (from Surviving Workplace Violence by Loren W. Christensen)
Flee the area - you need two things to flee successfully: opportunity and an avenue of escape. Exception to the opportunity rule...You have an avenue of escape but not an opportunity. Should you run? Yes, because maybe he is a lousy shot. No, because maybe he isn’t. This is a likely dilemma you could face and one you should think about now, while your heart rate is normal and your thinking is clear. So you decide to flee.
Try to keep object, desks, cabinets, etc-between you and the perpetrator
Don’t zig zag, just run for your life
If you can grab something to use as a weapon without slowing down, do it.
If you can’t get out of the door, go out a window. If you can’t open it, break it.
Whether you’re running from inside a building to the outside, or your work site to the outside, use trees, vehicles and buildings to block you from the view of the perpetrator as you make your escape.
Find a safe place and call 911 (see calling 911)
If you can’t run - hide
Hide
If time permits, choose a hiding place that gives you concealment and cover.
Calling the Police
Don’t assume that someone else has called 911. Multiple calls help the police validate the location.
Here is what the police want to know:
The exact address of the workplace where the incident is occurring
Description of the perpetrator
Location of the perpetrator - building, floor, last seen location, direction heading
Layout of the building.
Weapon: Officers approach a suspect armed with a knife than one with a firearm. They will want to know what type of firearm; handgun, high-tech rifle. Did you see any evidence of explosives or extra ammunition?
Who is he?
How many rounds has he fired?
Has he harmed others?
Did you see a vehicle?
Did he arrive on foot?
Was he dry even though it’s raining outside?
Is anyone hurt?
Where are the injured?
Obey the Police
Remember, the police do not know who you are. When they arrive on an “active shooter” scene their primary mission is to neutralize the threat in order to set a safe perimeter. If the perpetrator is still alive they will probably try to escape with everybody else. If the police tell you to raise your hands and lie down on your stomach, do it without hesitation.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Marriage Survival Tips
Don't underestimate the dangers of relationships outside of your marriage. Don't underestimate where your brain can take you.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Getting Your Head Right about Life
Do the bugs on your windshield keep you from seeing the horizon?
I hear it every week in my work as a counselor...”I want to do better.” I want to feel better.” “I want to have more for my family.” “I am sick and tired of my past tripping me up.”
Why is it that so many people seem to be stuck? Could part of it be the fact that we, as a culture don’t want to take personal responsibility. Are we looking for just the right pill, the right therapist, book, church or job? Or, could it be that we have become encased in the negativity of the culture.
Did you know that there are four ingredients for success in any endeavor. Four simple principles that can change the course of your life. Dr. Tom Barrett, author of Dare to Dream, Work to Win, does an exceptional job of expanding on these basic ideas.
Ingredient # 1 - Determine what you want. Be very specific about what you want out of your business/ministry before you decide what you will put in it.
Measurable goals create focus, energy, and passion
A clear dream does at least two things:
It creates perspective
It develops perseverance
Ingredient # 2 - Decide what you are willing to reschedule or give up in order to get what you want. It is so important to be clear about what you want out of your business/ministry before you decide what you will put into it.
Ingredient # 3 - Associate with people who will help you get what you want.
Ingredient # 4 - Have a plan that works, then work the plan.
Now that we have the key ingredients lets mix them together. How do you blend these ingredients in a way that will product a positive impact in your life?
Learn what you need to do next!
I hear it every week in my work as a counselor...”I want to do better.” I want to feel better.” “I want to have more for my family.” “I am sick and tired of my past tripping me up.”
Why is it that so many people seem to be stuck? Could part of it be the fact that we, as a culture don’t want to take personal responsibility. Are we looking for just the right pill, the right therapist, book, church or job? Or, could it be that we have become encased in the negativity of the culture.
Did you know that there are four ingredients for success in any endeavor. Four simple principles that can change the course of your life. Dr. Tom Barrett, author of Dare to Dream, Work to Win, does an exceptional job of expanding on these basic ideas.
Ingredient # 1 - Determine what you want. Be very specific about what you want out of your business/ministry before you decide what you will put in it.
Measurable goals create focus, energy, and passion
A clear dream does at least two things:
It creates perspective
It develops perseverance
Ingredient # 2 - Decide what you are willing to reschedule or give up in order to get what you want. It is so important to be clear about what you want out of your business/ministry before you decide what you will put into it.
Ingredient # 3 - Associate with people who will help you get what you want.
Ingredient # 4 - Have a plan that works, then work the plan.
Now that we have the key ingredients lets mix them together. How do you blend these ingredients in a way that will product a positive impact in your life?
Learn what you need to do next!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Hug the Monster: Manage Your Fear
Dr. Charles Lowery, speaker and psychologist was doing a talk on overcoming fear a few years ago and in his talk he used the acrostic F.E.A.R.
F - Forget
E - Everything
A - And
R - Run
So true. When we experience fear a little almond shape part of our brain, the amygdala, fires up and gives is a couple of options. The first is to run, the second is to freeze.
In his book, The Survivor's Club, author Ben Sherwood investigates how humans survive various traumatic events. On page 227, the author gives a wonderful word picture.
"Without a doubt, fear is the most ancient, efficient, and effective security system in the world. Over many thousands of years, our magnificently wired brains have sensed, reacted, and then acted upon every imaginable threat. Practically speaking, when you manage fear, your chances improve in almost every situation. But if your alarm goes haywire, your odds plummet. For survival, then, here is the bottom line. If you are scared out of your mind, try to remember the Air Force Survival Schools mantra: Hug the Monster. Wrap your arms around fear, wrestle it under control, and turn it into a driving force in your plan of attack.
"Ours is not a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."
F - Forget
E - Everything
A - And
R - Run
So true. When we experience fear a little almond shape part of our brain, the amygdala, fires up and gives is a couple of options. The first is to run, the second is to freeze.
In his book, The Survivor's Club, author Ben Sherwood investigates how humans survive various traumatic events. On page 227, the author gives a wonderful word picture.
"Without a doubt, fear is the most ancient, efficient, and effective security system in the world. Over many thousands of years, our magnificently wired brains have sensed, reacted, and then acted upon every imaginable threat. Practically speaking, when you manage fear, your chances improve in almost every situation. But if your alarm goes haywire, your odds plummet. For survival, then, here is the bottom line. If you are scared out of your mind, try to remember the Air Force Survival Schools mantra: Hug the Monster. Wrap your arms around fear, wrestle it under control, and turn it into a driving force in your plan of attack.
"Ours is not a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Be Safe in Your Car
Be Safe
By John H. Thurman Jr., M.Div., M.A.
Walk circumspectly.
I am normally a positive, upbeat guy, but don’t be misled. I am very aware that we live in a dangerous world. As a professional who deals with workplace violence and victims of violent crimes I want to share with you some BE SAFE practices that you can initiate today.
The suggestions come from, Loren W. Christiansen’s book, How to Live Safely in a Dangerous World. Loren is an expert in police defensive tactics. He began his law enforcement career in 1967 as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. In 1972 he joined the Portland Police Bureau in Oregon, where he still works today.
Loren holds several black belts in karate, jujitsu, and arnis, and has written dozens of articles and seven books on the martial arts. Here are some of his safety tips for driving alone:
Have your cell phone on and with you at all times.
Keep windows up and doors locked.
Keep gas in your tank.
When stopped at a traffic light keep your car in gear.
Stay alert.Talking on the phone and playing with your GPS are distractions that should be avoided when driving.
If you are ever followed, make sure you check your review mirror on a regular basis. Stay on a well-lit, busy street and make two extra turns to make sure. If you have a cell phone, dial 911 and tell the police what is going on, where you are, and what direction you are heading. Give the operator a description of your car, your license plate and as much of a description of the suspicious car as you are able, then follow the operators instructions.
If you are forced off of the road, don’t get out of the car. Make sure the doors are locked and the windows are up. The lean on the horn, long and hard. Call 911.
When parking choose a place that is well lit and where there are people walking around. Once you are parked, do a 360-degree search of your new surroundings before you get out. If anything makes you feel uneasy, fearful or hesitant, then don’t get out. Always lock your car, carry your keys and never leave the car running.
When returning to your car make sure you are aware of your surroundings just like you did when you got out of the car. If at all possible have someone either walk you to the car or have them watch you as you move towards your car. Check the car out before you get in, if all is clear head home.
As you near your house, watch your rearview mirror for any vehicle that looks out of place. If there is one, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest fire or police station, or any open business where there are lots of people.
By John H. Thurman Jr., M.Div., M.A.
Walk circumspectly.
I am normally a positive, upbeat guy, but don’t be misled. I am very aware that we live in a dangerous world. As a professional who deals with workplace violence and victims of violent crimes I want to share with you some BE SAFE practices that you can initiate today.
The suggestions come from, Loren W. Christiansen’s book, How to Live Safely in a Dangerous World. Loren is an expert in police defensive tactics. He began his law enforcement career in 1967 as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. In 1972 he joined the Portland Police Bureau in Oregon, where he still works today.
Loren holds several black belts in karate, jujitsu, and arnis, and has written dozens of articles and seven books on the martial arts. Here are some of his safety tips for driving alone:
Have your cell phone on and with you at all times.
Keep windows up and doors locked.
Keep gas in your tank.
When stopped at a traffic light keep your car in gear.
Stay alert.Talking on the phone and playing with your GPS are distractions that should be avoided when driving.
If you are ever followed, make sure you check your review mirror on a regular basis. Stay on a well-lit, busy street and make two extra turns to make sure. If you have a cell phone, dial 911 and tell the police what is going on, where you are, and what direction you are heading. Give the operator a description of your car, your license plate and as much of a description of the suspicious car as you are able, then follow the operators instructions.
If you are forced off of the road, don’t get out of the car. Make sure the doors are locked and the windows are up. The lean on the horn, long and hard. Call 911.
When parking choose a place that is well lit and where there are people walking around. Once you are parked, do a 360-degree search of your new surroundings before you get out. If anything makes you feel uneasy, fearful or hesitant, then don’t get out. Always lock your car, carry your keys and never leave the car running.
When returning to your car make sure you are aware of your surroundings just like you did when you got out of the car. If at all possible have someone either walk you to the car or have them watch you as you move towards your car. Check the car out before you get in, if all is clear head home.
As you near your house, watch your rearview mirror for any vehicle that looks out of place. If there is one, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest fire or police station, or any open business where there are lots of people.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Get a Grip on Perseverance
Get a Grip on Perseverance
By John Thurman
Remember the story of The Little Engine that Could?
Whether you read it as a child, or like many from my generation, saw the cartoon on Captain Kangaroo, you will recall that it is a wonderful lesson on perseverance.
One of the most memorable lines from the story is when the Little Engine says, “I think I can. I think I can.” It is a wonderful story about a small railroad engine that had seen better days. As newer, faster, stronger trains were developed, the little engine felt minimized and was assigned to the rail yard. Events unfold, and like any Hallmark movie, the little engine, through courage and perseverance saves the day.
How do you get through tough times? Do you freeze with fright? Run from fear? Or do you persevere and win the day? Your attitude towards adversity determines what you do with it. No thought lives in you mind rent-free. Every thought you have either enriches your life or limits it.
By now you are either curious or a little angry at me, so allow me to show you where I am going. Over the next few weeks I will be doing a series of short articles on how to develop resilience in your personal life, your relationships, and in your business endeavors. Here is the outline I will be following over the next several weeks.
Persist no matter what
Endure discomfort
Request help from others
Steadfastly hold on to your hopes, dreams, beliefs and values
Envision victory
Very consistently maintain your focus
Embrace adversity as your teacher
Refuse to quit
Enjoy and celebrate every inch of the journey
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, “Press on,” has solved, and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the U.S.
As we begin to move in this direction of developing and strengthening your personal ability to persevere and develop resilience. I want to remind you of some significant, life changing truth from the Scriptures.
“Fix your thoughts in what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Part of moving in this new direction may require some changes in how we think about life, ourselves, God, and others.
While you and I live in a free country and are free to choose what we think about, many of us ourselves destructive things that can limit, at least temporarily, the big dreams God has for us.
Here is a exercise you can do. For the next five minutes, pay attention to almost any conversation and listen for any distorted, toxic self-talk, blaming, whining, commiserating, condemning, and justification. You will likely hear people argue in favor of their most cherished limitations. You might even notice that some will insist they are not being negative, but realistic, giving an honest description of their lives. They have convinced themselves of their own internal press.
The problem is when we fail to employ the truths of verse like Philippians 4:8, we can set in motion a series of outcomes, both large and small that makes us impotent in the face of life’s challenges. The good news is that you and I can begin to change today.
As we begin this series, let me throw down a challenge.
Where you have been, what you have done, and where you are now matters far less than where you are headed. If you continue to look into the rear view mirror of your life, you will have a wreck and possibly miss some life opportunities. If you continue to identify with both current and prior performance by constantly thinking and talking about it, then where you have been, where you are, and where you are going will become one and the same. This will show itself in your marriage, your business, and even your hobbies.
Interested in moving forward?
Through this series of articles, I will show you simple, yet powerful, principles you can begin to use to help you strengthen your ability to persevere.
The Apostle Paul said it best, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have reached perfection. But I press on... I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race...” Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT).
(c) 2010 John Thurman
By John Thurman
Remember the story of The Little Engine that Could?
Whether you read it as a child, or like many from my generation, saw the cartoon on Captain Kangaroo, you will recall that it is a wonderful lesson on perseverance.
One of the most memorable lines from the story is when the Little Engine says, “I think I can. I think I can.” It is a wonderful story about a small railroad engine that had seen better days. As newer, faster, stronger trains were developed, the little engine felt minimized and was assigned to the rail yard. Events unfold, and like any Hallmark movie, the little engine, through courage and perseverance saves the day.
How do you get through tough times? Do you freeze with fright? Run from fear? Or do you persevere and win the day? Your attitude towards adversity determines what you do with it. No thought lives in you mind rent-free. Every thought you have either enriches your life or limits it.
By now you are either curious or a little angry at me, so allow me to show you where I am going. Over the next few weeks I will be doing a series of short articles on how to develop resilience in your personal life, your relationships, and in your business endeavors. Here is the outline I will be following over the next several weeks.
Persist no matter what
Endure discomfort
Request help from others
Steadfastly hold on to your hopes, dreams, beliefs and values
Envision victory
Very consistently maintain your focus
Embrace adversity as your teacher
Refuse to quit
Enjoy and celebrate every inch of the journey
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, “Press on,” has solved, and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the U.S.
As we begin to move in this direction of developing and strengthening your personal ability to persevere and develop resilience. I want to remind you of some significant, life changing truth from the Scriptures.
“Fix your thoughts in what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Part of moving in this new direction may require some changes in how we think about life, ourselves, God, and others.
While you and I live in a free country and are free to choose what we think about, many of us ourselves destructive things that can limit, at least temporarily, the big dreams God has for us.
Here is a exercise you can do. For the next five minutes, pay attention to almost any conversation and listen for any distorted, toxic self-talk, blaming, whining, commiserating, condemning, and justification. You will likely hear people argue in favor of their most cherished limitations. You might even notice that some will insist they are not being negative, but realistic, giving an honest description of their lives. They have convinced themselves of their own internal press.
The problem is when we fail to employ the truths of verse like Philippians 4:8, we can set in motion a series of outcomes, both large and small that makes us impotent in the face of life’s challenges. The good news is that you and I can begin to change today.
As we begin this series, let me throw down a challenge.
Where you have been, what you have done, and where you are now matters far less than where you are headed. If you continue to look into the rear view mirror of your life, you will have a wreck and possibly miss some life opportunities. If you continue to identify with both current and prior performance by constantly thinking and talking about it, then where you have been, where you are, and where you are going will become one and the same. This will show itself in your marriage, your business, and even your hobbies.
Interested in moving forward?
Through this series of articles, I will show you simple, yet powerful, principles you can begin to use to help you strengthen your ability to persevere.
The Apostle Paul said it best, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have reached perfection. But I press on... I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race...” Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT).
(c) 2010 John Thurman
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