Editors Message


It is a sad commentary that there is no shortage of horrific incidents to write about. The senseless and tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon was another in a growing list of


horrible incidents. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones as they struggle to deal with the aftermath of this horrible situation.


The infamous radio character, The Shadow, had it right when he said, ‘Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?’


The unfortunate situation in Boston is a stark reminder of the utter importance of the Department of Homeland Security’s nationwide public awareness campaign, "If You See Something, Say Something.”™ It is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. DHS has a great video on their website that you should show to all of your employees. If people attending the Boston Marathon had watched this video before attending the event it is possible that it could have made a difference.


We are major advocates of employers supporting the DHS campaign and initiating their own internal version because if we can get employees to report suspicious, threatening and problematic behaviors it will help prevent terrorism and workplace violence, as well. We encourage you to take to heart that not only does “Homeland Security Begin with Hometown Security,” but also that workplace security begins with every employee understanding that workplace violence prevention is everybody’s business.


Be sure to read the article ‘A Cup of Joe’ which offers a great suggestion for schools to implement an inexpensive measure that could help reduce the risk of violence on their campuses. You may want to recommend it to the schools in your community.


Thanks again for joining us and remember “fate favors the prepared mind.”


Bryar


When You See Something, Say Something™


There's never been a more important time for Americans to unite and pledge that when they "see something," they "say something." New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) originally unveiled the "See Something, Say Something™" campaign to increase public awareness about signs of terrorism and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. This slogan, licensed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlights the concept that homeland security begins with hometown security. Citizens play important roles in helping law enforce- ment solve crimes and save lives by becoming actively involved in protecting their communities. Whether you live in a rural or urban environment, our best defense is to inform authorities when something does not look right and to be prepared for the unexpected. Even workplaces with a full-time security team need to involve their employees and promote the See Something, Say Something campaign. It is important to take note of and record suspicious behavior and to educate and establish reporting procedures in the workplace.


Read More DECISIONPOINT


This column is designed to help sharpen your judgment in providing valuable advice regarding how to handle incidents of aggression.


Can an employer be held liable for damages beyond workers compensation when an employee is assaulted by a co-worker at work?


On May 11, 2010, an employee at a Virginia cosmetic manufacturing plant was violently assaulted by a co-worker in the parking lot as she left work. At the time he was hired, the attacker was a registered sex offender, and the employer had not conducted a background check prior to his hiring. Prior to the assault, the victim of the attack had complained to her supervisor about the attacker making vulgar comments and unwanted sexual advanced toward her. Her supervisor said he would take care of the problem, and try not to schedule the two to work together. Never-theless, the two were working together on May 11, 2010. During her shift, the attacker assaulted and battered the victim on multiple occasions by touching her leg, thigh and groin area.


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