what to do if...

Lola815

I was in a safety meeting this afternoon and we have been working on our evacuation plan. The situation was brought up as to what to do if a disgruntled employee comes to the work place with a gun. Do any of you have a plan in place that you wouldn't mind sharing. No one in our meeting could come up with something we all agreed on.

thanks for your help!

Paul in Cannon Beach

We have not discussed that exact scenario but I do know that OSHA considers workplace violence a "safety" issue and they may have some material or suggestions on what to do.

Deciding who gets to confront the bad guy would be an interesting discussion.

Paul

Cinderella

I just want to say that this is an EXCELLENT question that should be discussed at every company's safety meeting. We have a discreetly located "panic button" for our receptionist that sounds an alarm in the department closest to her (but cannot be heard in the reception area). We've basically told her to #1 hit the panic button, #2 call the police (if she can do so safetly...you never know if someone is just going to come in spraying bullets or if it will be a "hold up" situation where they are trying to rob you, etc). If the person comes in a points a gun at her and makes some sort of demand, such as cash/valuables or something, she's supposed to comply with their demands and to not "try to be a hero". That's what we've come up with...I'd be interested in hearing other's answers to this question.
Cinderella

Lola815

I like the panic button idea. This is a very good quetion. No one was coming up with good answers in our meeting. One guy said, just have someone get on the intercom and tell everyone to leave the building. I said that if it is a former employee, they will recongize the voice and come to that office and shoot them...I don't think so...

Gillian

I think that two types of professionals would be helpful in dealing with these situations. The first is a safety and security expert to look at it from a logistical point of view. The other is a mental health professional to give guidance pertaining to how any interaction should go. One of the partners in our Employee Assistance Program is a specialist in this area and has assisted lots of organizations with issues, including the Post Office. His advice is invaluable. You might want to see what help you could find in these areas.