Violence in the Workplace: "A Loaded Gun at the Head of the Employer" - Page 4

Tips on Preventing Workplace Violence

These are good tips to use yourself, or share with your employees - especially if parking in a multilevel garage or entering or leaving your company premises after dark.

• When approaching your vehicle, always watch for persons who look inappropriate for conditions.
• Have your car keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
• If a person gets near your vehicle causing concern, turn around and walk away.
• Before entering your vehicle, look through the windows to see if all appears normal.
• After entering your vehicle, immediately lock all doors.
• Always keep your vehicle's doors locked when you are away from it.
• When possible, try to avoid parking your vehicle in unlighted, isolated areas.
• If you become a car-jacking victim, give up your vehicle and get out quickly.
• If you are bumped from the rear while driving in an isolated area, drive to the nearest well-lighted area where there are other people and call for assistance. Use a cell phone if you have one.
• Always carry a cellular telephone if possible.
• Try to walk to and from your vehicle with other persons going in your direction.
• Do not leave packages or valuables of any kind in open view in your vehicle.
• Place packages and valuables in your trunk before reaching your parking destination.
• After parking your vehicle, look around before you exit the vehicle.
• If you become a victim of an attack, attempt to make as much commotion as possible so that you attract attention. (Scream, honk your horn etc.)
• If you feel insecure or unsafe about walking to your car alone, as for an escort.
• Report incidents to security and the police if warranted or in doubt.
• Consider attaching a loud whistle to your key chain so you can us it if necessary.
• Exercise common sense, and be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.

(Ideas courtesy of the WA. Employment Law Letter)

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