Workplace violence has become an increasingly prevalent concern across industries, requiring robust strategies to ensure the well-being of staff and continuity of operations. From verbal threats to physical confrontations — and even active shooter situations — workplace violence can emerge in many forms, each posing significant risks to employee safety and business continuity.
A growing number of states are enacting workplace violence prevention mandates. California led the way with Senate Bill (SB) 553, requiring most employers to implement a workplace violence prevention plan. This nationwide emergence of regulations underscores the urgency for businesses to develop robust workplace violence prevention strategies. A key part of regulatory compliance involves an effective communication plan to ensure that information flows seamlessly before, during and after an incident.
Why Communication is Key
When incidents of workplace violence occur, the ability to rapidly communicate with employees is paramount. Organizations need mechanisms to alert employees, hear back about their safety, and provide instructions as situations unfold. BlackBerry® AtHoc® offers a comprehensive solution that not only simplifies compliance with new regulations but also enhances overall safety strategies.
Are You Prepared?
Effective communication involves more than just sending out emails. In times of crisis, relying solely on email can be ineffective, as employees may not check their inbox promptly. A comprehensive communications plan should include:
- Immediate Alerts: Delivering real-time alerts and updates through various channels, ensuring employees receive critical information.
- Business Continuity Measures: Communicating the prevention plan, reporting procedures, and evacuation routes effectively.
- Training and Engagement: Delivering mandatory training reminders and utilizing interactive materials like quizzes and feedback forms.
- Coordination Across Worksites: Ensuring seamless information sharing between multiple sites and employers.
Ramon Pinero, Vice President and General Manager of BlackBerry AtHoc, recently discussed the importance of coordinated communication during a webinar on Mastering Communication During Workplace Emergencies. "Leadership already recognizes the need to coordinate and collaborate for an emergency situation. In the case of SB 553, regulatory requirements talk more specifically about how we must alert users in the event of an emergency and equip them with a way to signal their duress.”
The complexities of modern work environments—ranging from remote locations to multi-employer sites—pose significant challenges to communication. However, BlackBerry AtHoc allows you to easily navigate these types of environments.
“Two-way communication is crucial in workplace violence situations,” says Pinero. “Our platform allows discreet signaling of a duress situation, enabling secure, real-time communication between employees and security teams, at one of your locations, a few of your locations or all of them. You have incredible flexibility.”
