Security Research Group

Recognizing 10 Triggers to Reduce Chances of Violent Workplace Behavior.

2012-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

As incredible as it is, especially with all the media attention today, many businesses still don’t have a workplace violence prevention program in place. The first thing a prevention program should include is showing to recognize the “triggers” of a potentially violent person. Violent behavior is a physically aggressive behavior against another person or persons. Understanding what the behaviors are will enhance an organization to avert such violent situation.
There are 10 possible triggers for violent workplace behavior. No one intentionally wants negative media attention. Here are those trigger areas to be concerned with during employee interaction.
1.      Being Harassed
2.      Being Laid Off or Fired
3.      Felt Disrespected - By Co-workers & Management
4.      Issued Poor Performance Review
5.      Not Taken Seriously When Asking for Help
6.      Overbearing Management
7.      Overwhelmed by Amount of Work
8.      Passed Over for Promotion
9.      Received Disciplinary Action
10. Relationships Outside of Work

Employees, management or not, need to have the opportunity to express themselves. This interaction can identify any potential problems or help them to release any tension towards the situation they may have. The focus has to be on them.

The best preventative tactic is to ensure every person, employee or not, should be treated fairly and impartially, with dignity and respect.

New Year & New Reference Materials

2011-12-31T17:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Hope your holidays were enjoyable. I find, as I get older, I enjoy giving to others more than ask for myself. The one thing I would always like is developing my client-base further. This is, of course, the slow season for many consulting-based businesses, of which I am one. But, in 2012, the future is looking brighter with the economy shows signs of life.

As I stated in my last blog I was working on some new materials, pocket reference cards and brochures. But I also updated my business card. The holidays do not deter businesses from continually keeping active with work. I am not any different and have utilized my creativity over the holiday to enhance my reference materials.

I have discovered the QR (quick response) scan code and I am placing it on all my materials. Scan it and see where it takes you.

QR Scan Code

It is very efficient for sharing information with those who use the smartphones.

New Business

Back of Business Card with QuickTip & QR Scan Code

Below is an example of the Workplace Violence Prevention Pocket Reference Card. It is best printed on card stock. The full page format is on my website with two of the images on one MS Word page.

You can print on both sides of the full page and cut into four cards; or print on one side, cut into two cards and fold along the line (as shown below). They are an excellant immediate reference you can keep in your shirt or pants pocket.

Workplace Violence Prevention Pocket Reference Card

I do hope all enjoy a prosperous 2012.

Consulting is a Dynamic Profession

2011-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

Depending on what you do, everything changes. In consulting there is change based on the latest information in your industry; the clients needs; and your own perceptions. Change can be good and bad. Your perspective determines how you will act. The big thing is to accept change as an eventuality that confronts all businesses. What you do with it can affect your future success. Adaptability, people claim to have it, but sometimes it pushes us outside of our comfort zone. Change is interconnected with adapatability.

I have recently been working on changing my marketing materials for my business, Security Research Group. New general company brochure, new workplace violence prevention brochure and a new business card. This was started by getting my new mailing address: 25920 Iris Avenue, Suite 13A-309, Moreno Valley, CA 92551.

So expect to see my updated brochures on the website, www.SecurityResearchGroup.com.

I have also learned how to use the new smartphone scan icon, the "QR code" (quick response). It's not a barcode but has a similar purpose. I am adding it to my business cards (on back with security info) and on my brochures. When they scan with their phone it directs them to my website. Another convenience for potential clients.

I am also working on article for press releases. Also, developing some folding pocket information cards. The cards are 4" x 2.5" cards, double the size of a business card. They will include basic information regarding fire extinguisher use, workplace violence response, substance abuse recognition, investigation procedures, etc.

Looking forward to the next year. Happy Holidays to all!

Workplace Violence Article

2011-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed for an article regarding workplace violence (WPV). It was written by Lin Grensing-Pophal, a business journalist, and the author of Human Resource Essentials and The Complete Idiots Guide to Strategic Planning. I was not the only person quoted but I was in good company with other subject matter experts. The article appears in the October 2011 issue of the Bed Times Magazine, a sleep products industry publication. The article is simply entitled Workplace Violence.

The word on WPV is spreading and rightly so, due to the violent incidents the various media outlets have broadcast.

Still, more needs to be done to address this rampant violence in our society. Businesses, small, medium and large, need to take steps to learn how to prevent and respond to WPV, in all its various forms.

Remember:

"Every person, employee or not, should be treated fairly and impartially, with dignity and respect by all persons." Author unk.

Solutions for Protecting Your BusinessÔ

A Chance to Prevent Workplace Violence?

2011-10-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the inaugural posting for Security Research Group. We will be addressing business security and safety issues.

In light of the newly published OSHA directive towards Workplace Violence (WPV) we have some incident that have occurred this October:

Limestone Quarry, Cupertino, CA current employee kills 3 and injures 6
Beauty Salon, Seal Beach, CA ex-spouse kills 8 and injures 1

Quarry in Cupertino, CA

In the quarry incident, there were signs but no one believed it would escalate to the level it did.

Salon in Seal Beach, CA
In the salon incident, were the employees hardened by the repeated mention of the wife sharing about the threats or abuse by her ex-husband?.

Were these forseeable incidents? The co-workers/management didn't appear to take the claims or out-of-character behavior seriously.
If they were aware but took no apparent action, what should be done, if anything, for responsibility for failure to take preventative measures?
Did they have a duty to provide for the security of their business? If so, is there a breach of the duty? I wonder if there could be any negligent liability associated with either business. A violation of the OSHA "General Duty Clause" to ensure the employers provide a safe work environment for their employees?

In both incidents, there were options. With the continued and widespread workplace violence incidents, should there be a mandatory training required for businesses, as there is for sexual harassment?

What do you think?

For additional information on Workplace Violence:
http://www.securityresearchgroup.com/Workplace_Violence.html

www.SecurityResesearchGroup.com

www.DistributionCenterLP.com

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