CONCEPT: Preventing Violence in the CAP workplace

APROXIMATE TIME: 1.5 Hours

1. Understand the causes of workplace violence
2. Identify the warning signs of a potentially hostile person
3. Understand some of the measures to combat workplace violence
4. Understand some stress reducing techniques and their value as preventive measures
5. Identify minimum items to be included in a workplace emergency action plan

Additional materials are: Workplace Violence: First Line of Defense, Facilitator’s Guide. The Employment & Labor Law Series, by The Kenwood Group, Workplace Violence: Awareness, Prevention & Response. Coastal Human Resources, Workplace Violence: Supervisor Training Manual, by Joseph Kinney. Refer to the Instructor Information   link in the User's Guide for the basic materials to teach a class.

INTRODUCTION:

Millions of Americans are the victims of workplace violence every year. Millions more are harassed and threatened. The Civil Air Patrol is addressing workplace violence because we want to promote awareness in our members in both their professional and private lives. In today’s society of extraordinary stress and increasing pressure to "do more with less", it is important to understand why violence occurs. We must be able to recognize the signs of potentially dangerous situations, prevent instances of violence and have an emergency action plan in case the unthinkable happens and you find yourself or your co-workers victims.

In this lesson, we gain an understanding of the causes of violence in the workplace and how to recognize the early warning signs. We also look at preventive measures you can take to prevent daily stresses from spiyraling out of control. We present some stress reducing techniques and suggestions on how to combat conflicts with co-workers. Finally, we present a minimum Emergency Action Plan and explain how this can save lives if the unthinkable happens.

1. Identify the causes of workplace violence.
2. Identify the early warning signs of a potentially hostile individual.
3. Describe general preventive measures to combat workplace violence.
4. Discuss stress-reducing techniques and discuss its value as a preventive measure.
5. Explain the value of an Emergency Action Plan and how it can minimize injuries.

LESSON PRESENTATION:

Attention Step: (Slide 1) Welcome students to the class. Introduce the course and provide an example of a violent incident in the workplace.

Lesson Overview: (Slide 2) Give students an overview of what you will be discussing and the objectives. Explain exactly what you want the students to take away from the course.

Main Point 1: (Slide 3) Read the definition of workplace violence and be sure the members clearly understand what it is – and is not.

Main Point 1: (Side 4) Discuss how each of these factors contribute to a people feeling that violence is justified or see it as a last resort. Emphasize the list is not all-inclusive and solicit members for other possible contributing factors.

Main Point 2: (Slide 5) Discuss each type of threat and provide examples of each. Stress that individuals should report these threats to unit leadership.

Main Point 2: (Slide 6) Discuss the warning signs. Discuss that a typical behavior may have many causes and does not necessarily lead to violence. Stress reporting of hostile behavior to unit leadership is paramount to preventing tragedy. Also emphasize that this list is not all-inclusive.

Main Point 2: (Slide 7) Same as slide 6.

Main Point 2: (Slide 8) Using common sense and perhaps calmly talking to individuals may reveal what is actually bothering the individual. Stress that CAP does not want members to take matters into their own hands. Make sure they know to seek professional help if necessary.

Main Point 3: (Slide 9) Discuss preventive measures and stress education as the key. Provide examples of feedback sessions and an "open door" policy. Emphasize that every threat needs to be taken seriously.

Main Point 4: (Slide 10) Discuss these techniques and solicit ideas from students on what works for them.

Main Point 4: (Slide 11) Discuss how to calmly and fairly resolve conflicts with another individual or between two parties. Stress that for serious problems, professional help should be sought out.

Main Point 5: (Slide 12) Discuss the EAP and how it can prevent or minimize injuries should violence occur. Solicit ideas for other items that might help and add them to the plan.

Summary: (Slide 13) Reemphasize that violence can occur anywhere and everyone needs to be aware of warning signs and take all threats seriously. Education and open door policies are key to keeping the trust of members. EAP can be vital if a violent incident occurs. Ask for questions and clear up any problem areas.