Disclaimer – The information provided below is NOT a substitute for an emergency plan developed with the assistance of security and public safety professionals. This information is intended to encourage you to get a professional emergency plan as soon as possible.
Once again it appears that workplace issues have escalated to deadly violence. Although most of us had no personal connection to the people affected by the San Bernardino tragedy, we likely had at least a fleeting thought about what we would do if faced with a shooter in our workplace. Here are the basics to keep in mind.
This information is not a substitute for a well-conceived action plan for workplace violence situations. If you don’t have a plan for emergency situations (natural or man-made), start working on it now. Businesses should consult with building management and public safety officials to develop a plan appropriate for the facilities and their occupants. A good place to start is the Department of Homeland Security’s “Active Shooter – How to Respond.” The entire booklet is available at https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf.
If you have any questions regarding preparing a Workplace Safety Plan, please contact Jean Novak, of Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky’s Employer-Employee Relations Practice at jnovak@smgglaw.com or at (412) 281-5423.