How can we prevent workplace violence?
When it comes to preventing workplace violence, the best defense is a good offense. Conduct thorough pre-employment screenings on anyone you are hoping to hire. Continue periodic background checks to be sure nothing new and troubling has arisen on an employee’s record. Get to know your employees and have a better sense for who they are outside of the workplace. Pay attention to trends in other workplace violence tragedies and keep an eye out for similar behaviors among your staff. Finally, have a plan in place for how you will react in the event of an emergency, and share this plan with everyone in the company. Teach all of your employees to speak up if they see anything troubling or suspicious.