The 3-OUT Approach to Workplace Safety

In a Life-Or-Death Situation, Do You Know Your Best Way Out?

In moments of crisis, hesitation can be fatal. In an active intruder scenario, the stakes are nothing short of life and death. The chaos is overwhelming, fear paralyzing, and yet the actions you take in mere seconds can determine whether you survive or become another statistic. To overcome such dire situations, you need more than just courage; you need a plan, a mindset, and a strategy that empowers you to act decisively and effectively.

"The 3-OUT Approach to Workplace Safety" training program introduces three primary actions—Lock Out, Get Out, and Take Out—that you can take depending on your proximity to the threat and the resources available. It’s not about rigid procedures but about making swift, informed decisions when every second counts. This training will guide you in assessing your surroundings, identifying escape routes, fortifying your position, and, when all else fails, confronting the threat. Through realistic scenarios and practical guidance, you'll learn how to make quick, informed decisions that could save lives.

When is GET OUT the appropriate action to take in a threatening situation?

If you are not in direct contact with the threat, or if you are near the threat and see an opportunity to escape, it's time to act. It's time to GET OUT! Take the lead, evacuate the area with others, and call 911. Always consider alternative exits and be cautious of following crowds into danger zones.

GET OUT (OUT Action)

Summary: An employee hears alarming sounds and confronts a potential threat. They decide to investigate -despite reluctance from the team members - which leads to violence and chaos.

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What is a LOCK OUT strategy during an active intruder situation?

LOCK OUT procedures are effective when there is no direct contact with the threat, in a space that can be locked quickly. Implement lockout by locking, layering, and reinforcing the space, thus preventing potential victims and deterring the shooter.

LOCK OUT (OUT Action)

Summary: The video depicts a workplace situation interrupted by a shooter. The employees quickly secure a room by locking the door, reinforcing it with a table and barricading it. They aim to prevent entry and stay out of sight from the intruder.

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What should you do when escaping or locking out an intetruder is not an option?

The TAKE OUT action is a last resort that increases your chances of survival when facing an active shooter. It involves throwing, striking, and using objects to incapacitate the attacker and rallying others to join in the fight. When there are no other options, taking action increases the likelihood of escaping unharmed or with minimal injuries.

TAKE OUT (OUT Action)

Summary: A group of coworkers is trapped with an active shooter. They devise a plan to neutralize the threat by using any available objects as improvised weapons and coordinating a simultaneous attack to overwhelm the intruder.

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Scenarios Covered

Locking Down a Room: Secure a room by locking and reinforcing doors, using available resources to create an impenetrable barrier against an active shooter.
Escaping During an Active Intruder: Identify exit routes and safely evacuate a building to distance yourself from danger.
Coordinated Group Response: Organize and lead a coordinated attack using improvised weapons to incapacitate a shooter when escape isn't possible.
Cubicle Safety: Learn how to maximize the limited protection of a cubicle setting by staying low, avoiding confinement, and preparing for a possible encounter with the shooter.

Key Benefits for Trainees

Enhanced Preparedness: Learn to anticipate and respond to unexpected threats, increasing their overall safety awareness.
Quick Decision-Making: The program emphasizes rapid assessment and action, crucial during high-stress situations.
Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with techniques to lock out, get out, or take out the threat, tailored to various environments.
Increased Confidence: Understanding and practicing the 3-OUT approach boosts employees' confidence in handling emergencies.
Team Coordination: The training fosters teamwork and communication, essential for collective safety during a crisis.
Situational Awareness: Learn to identify potential threats and unusual behaviors, enhancing their ability to prevent incidents.
Life-Saving Techniques: The program provides actionable strategies that can significantly improve survival rates during active shooter events.

Competencies Covered

Situational Awareness: Ability to identify potential threats and unusual behaviors in various environments.
Rapid Decision-Making: Skills to quickly assess situations and choose the appropriate action (lock out, get out, or take out).
Lockdown Techniques: Proficiency in locking, layering, and reinforcing barriers to secure a room or area.
Escape Strategies: Knowledge of safe exit routes and alternative escape plans to get out of danger.
Self-Defense Skills: Techniques for using everyday objects as weapons to defend against an attacker.
Team Coordination: Enhanced communication and teamwork during emergencies to ensure collective safety.
Stress Management: Strategies to remain calm and focused under pressure, enabling effective response during a crisis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the 3-OUT Approach to Workplace Safety?

It's to equip employees with the skills to lock out, get out, or take out an active shooter, depending on their situation.

What should you do if you hear unusual sounds in your workplace?

Immediately assess the situation, identify potential threats, and decide whether to lock out, get out, or take out based on your proximity to the threat.

How can you secure an open space like a lobby or cafeteria?

Identify exits and potential barriers, and be prepared to get out quickly if locking out is not an option.

What is the first step to take if you are in a cubicle setting during an active shooter event?

Get down low to avoid the direct line of fire and prepare to use available objects to create barriers or defend yourself.

How can you coordinate with others in a large meeting room to enhance safety?

Communicate clearly and quickly to decide on the best action (lock out, get out, or take out) based on the threat's location.

What should you do if you cannot lock out in an open space?

Look for the nearest exit and get out as quickly as possible, moving away from the danger.

How can you reinforce a locked door in an office environment?

Use desks, chairs, and other heavy objects to barricade the door and create additional layers of security.

What objects can be used as weapons in a cubicle setting?

Items like scissors, letter openers, heavy books, and even office chairs can be used to defend yourself.

How can you identify potential threats in an open space?

Pay attention to unusual sounds, behaviors, and objects that seem out of place, and be ready to take action immediately.

What is the best way to stay calm during an active shooter/armed intruder event in a large meeting room?

Focus on your training, communicate with others, and take decisive action based on the situation.

How can you improve your chances of survival if you have to take out the shooter?

Use available objects as weapons, coordinate with others to overwhelm the attacker, and aim for vulnerable areas like the head and arms.

What if I don't have a training program for an active shooter/armed intruder 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:

Legal & Liability Issues: In the aftermath of an incident, your lack of training could be scrutinized, potentially leading to legal or liability consequences for you or your organization.
Increased Vulnerability: Without proper training, you may be more susceptible to harm in an active shooter situation, lacking the skills to respond effectively.
Lack of Preparedness: You may be unprepared to make quick, informed decisions that could save your life or the lives of others during a critical incident.
Decreased Confidence: Without training, you might feel less confident in your ability to handle emergency situations, leading to hesitation or panic.
Higher Risk to Coworkers: Your inability to respond appropriately could put your coworkers at greater risk, as they might rely on you for leadership or assistance.
Missed Compliance Requirements: Many organizations mandate safety training. Skipping it could result in non-compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Damaged Reputation: Failing to participate in essential safety training might reflect poorly on your commitment to workplace safety, affecting your professional reputation.