Be S.A.F.E. Not Sorry™
Preventing Violence in the Workplace

(Use for California SB553 training requirements)

How to Recognize Warning Signs of Potential Threats from Coworkers?

In the pressure cooker of the contemporary workplace, violent behavior can erupt at any time. Terminated, overworked or stressed employees can and will pose very real threats. Your employees, staff and even visitors to your company are at risk—every day.

Be S.A.F.E. (Not Sorry) is a practical and necessary program based on real-life situations, that will help keep your organization safe. It provides people within your workplace the right tools to spot very real threats. Participants will learn appropriate actions that will prevent harassment, intimidation and potential violence from escalating uncontrollably.

How can we address disruptive behavior in the workplace?

Disruptive behavior is a common form of workplace violence and needs to be addressed promptly. Ignoring warning signs and leaving someone to cool off may not be the best approach. Seeking help from someone with the skills to manage the situation is crucial before it escalates.

I've Had It With This Place!

Summary: A worker becomes concerned with a colleague's erratic behavior. After witnessing concerning behavior from the co-worker, they decide to speak to their manager about it, recognizing the potential for workplace violence.

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How should I respond to intimidating & harassing behavior in the workplace?

Intimidating and harassing workplace behavior is a form of violence that can have serious emotional and physical impacts, and it's important to report it to someone in authority for further investigation and possible action. Never accept "don't worry about it" as a response.

That Wasn't a Smart Move!

Summary: Kim is targeted and harassed by a coworker, making her feel uncomfortable. She decides to report the situation to her manager and learns that harassment is a common form of workplace violence.

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Should I ignore threats of violence in the workplace?

Report all threats of violence in the workplace immediately, without exception. Respect and take seriously even veiled threats or statements, as predicting if someone will actually follow through on a threat is not your responsibility.

If I'm History, So Is He!

Summary: A coworker expresses frustration with their boss and hints at taking violent action. Hearing this, a coworker advises viewer to report any potential threats immediately, emphasizing that it's not okay to take intimidating statements lightly.

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Scenarios Covered

Aggressive Outbursts: Addressing situations where an employee exhibits uncontrollable anger or frustration.
Harassment and Intimidation: Recognizing and responding to behavior that creates a hostile work environment.
Social Media & Cyber Threats: Understanding the impact of social media on workplace safety.
Personal Relationship Spillover: Handling issues arising from personal relationships affecting work.
Substance Abuse & Erratic Behavior: Identifying and intervening in cases where substance abuse contributes to unpredictable and potentially violent behavior.

Key Benefits for Trainees

Increased Safety: Participants will contribute to a safer workplace by learning to identify and mitigate risks of violence.
Proactive Prevention: The program equips employees with strategies to prevent violent situations before they escalate.
Legal and Policy Awareness: Participants gain an understanding of workplace violence policies and legal implications.
Enhanced Communication: Employees learn how to communicate effectively in tense situations and report concerns appropriately.
Empowerment: The training implores employees to take action and not be bystanders in potentially harmful situations.
Stress Reduction: By addressing and reducing instances of violence, the program contributes to a less stressful work environment.

Competencies Covered

Situational Awareness: Ability to identify and understand environmental cues that may indicate potential violence.
Risk Assessment: Skills to evaluate and determine the level of threat in various situations.
Intervention Strategies: Knowledge of effective techniques to intervene safely and prevent escalation.
Legal Knowledge: Understanding of laws and regulations related to workplace violence.
Empathy and Support: Providing support to colleagues who may be at risk.
Crisis Management: Preparedness to manage and respond to violent incidents promptly and effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the 'Be S.A.F.E., Not Sorry™' training program?

It equips employees with the skills to recognize and prevent workplace violence. It fosters a secure environment where everyone is prepared to act against potential threats. It's about creating a culture of safety and responsiveness.

What does the S.A.F.E. acronym stand for?

Stay aware, Analyze the situation, Factor in our feelings, Engage in a solution.

What types of violence does the program address?

The program covers physical, verbal, and psychological forms of violence. Including cyber and social media harassment.

What should you do if you witness a coworker exhibiting aggressive behavior repeatedly?

It's important to report the behavior to a manager or HR. Consistent aggressive behavior can be a sign of escalating violence.

How should you handle a situation where a coworker is being harassed or intimidated?

Do not dismiss it! Encourage the coworker to speak with HR or a manager, and offer to accompany them for support.

What is the appropriate response if you notice a coworker showing an unusual interest in violent news stories?

Report your observations to a supervisor, especially if the interest is coupled with concerning behavior towards others.

If you suspect a coworker's personal relationship issues are affecting their work, what should you do?

If it impacts the workplace or the individual's safety, it should be discussed with HR or a manager.

What steps can you take if you overhear a coworker making veiled threats?

Take all threats seriously and report them immediately to a supervisor or security personnel.

How can you differentiate between normal workplace stress and potentially violent behavior?

Look for patterns of behavior that go beyond typical stress responses, such as physical aggression or threats.

What action should you take if you become aware of a coworker experiencing cyber harassment?

Encourage them to report the issue to IT and management, and ensure they receive the necessary support.

What is the duration of the training program?

The program is designed to be flexible (30 minutes to 2 hours), with modules that can be spread out over several training sessions.

Can the program be scaled for different-sized organizations?

Yes. The program is scalable and can be adapted for various group sizes by adjusting the depth of content, the number of scenarios covered, and the facilitation methods used.

Who should attend this training?

It's ideal for all employees and staff including: team leaders, managers, executives and any staff members involved in day-to-day interactions with employees and team members.

What if I don't have a training program for workplace violence prevention in place?

It's crucial for the safety and well-being of all employees that such programs are taken seriously and integrated into the workplace.

Here are some of the risks that may arise:

Increased Vulnerability: Without proper training, employees might not recognize early signs of violence, leaving them vulnerable.
Escalation of Conflicts: Small conflicts could escalate into serious incidents without the skills to de-escalate them.
Legal Repercussions: Ignoring the program could lead to non-compliance with legal standards, resulting in legal liabilities.
Safety Compromised: The overall safety of the workplace could be compromised, potentially leading to harm.
Damaged Reputation: Incidents of violence could damage the company's reputation and employee morale.
Financial Costs: The aftermath of violent incidents can be costly due to potential litigation, loss of productivity, and increased insurance premiums.