WEBVTT

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I'm a little unsure about this

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because I've heard some rumors

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that someone from another area -
someone I don't directly supervise -

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made a threat against
another employee.

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So, do I have to do anything about it?

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I mean we're just talking rumors here.

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As a manager, you have
an obligation under the law

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to investigate any hearsay reports

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or rumors like this,
no matter who is involved.

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Under OSHA's general duty clause -

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employers are required to provide
a safe working environment.

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So, even though the rumors
don't involve anyone working

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under your direct supervision,

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if you become aware of them, you
must report them immediately.

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The best course of action
is to meet directly

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with the manager of the employee
who's making the alleged threats

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and let him or her know
what's going on.

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That manager should
report the allegations

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and inform you of the results,

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and whether any disciplinary
action has been taken.

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There are a couple of
points to keep in mind

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when handling a situation like this.

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First, call HR or security.

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They need to investigate,

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and that includes giving the employee
who made the alleged threats

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the chance to tell his
or her side of the story.

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And second,

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only people with a genuine need
to know should be able to access

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any information about the rumors
or the investigation.

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Confidentiality is critical because
if somebody sees something

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they shouldn't see, or hears
something they shouldn't hear,

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both you and your organization
could be sued for defamation.

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And by the way, if you do report
a threat of violence,

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you are protected by law from any
retaliation by the organization.

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But let's talk for a minute
about the worst case.

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What do you do if an employee
comes to work with a weapon?

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Your organization
should have a plan,

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and everyone needs
to be trained in that plan,

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so that it can be
implemented immediately.

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But if you become a hostage-
I know it sounds hard,

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but all the research shows

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that you have the best chance
of surviving if you remain calm.

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Remember, this person is
under tremendous stress.

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The more you can do to stay calm,

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the more you will help
them calm down...

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...and most likely
defuse the situation.