Hosting a workplace safety meeting on active shooter response is an opportunity to discuss safety and security measures already in place and any site-specific details employees should know.
The deadliest workplace violence scenarios involve an active shooter, who is defined as someone that is "actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area."
Active shooter incidents in workplaces are rare, but preparation is important because these events are often fast-moving and unpredictable. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), active shooter situations can happen in offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail locations, healthcare settings, schools, and public spaces.
Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there may not be a pattern or method to their selection of victims. Typically, law enforcement personnel are the ones who stop the active shooter.
Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, employees must be prepared in advance, both mentally and physically.
Emergency Planning
All workers should be familiar with and know where to locate their organization's emergency action plan specific to the facility or job site where they are currently working.
Emergency planning should include evacuation routes, shelter locations, emergency contact procedures, and site-specific communication methods. Employees should understand what to do during emergencies before a crisis occurs.
Actively participate in any drills or training provided to become familiar with emergency protocols and exit routes.
Become familiar with the floor plan of your facility to know where the closest two exits are to you at any time.
Knowing multiple exit routes is important because a primary exit may not always be accessible during an emergency.
Preventing Workplace Violence
Preventing workplace violence begins long before an emergency occurs. A respectful work environment, clear reporting systems, and strong communication all contribute to safer workplaces.
Do your part to foster a respectful workplace.
If you see suspicious activity, let an authority know immediately.
Workers should report concerning behavior, threats, harassment, unauthorized persons, or anything unusual that may affect workplace safety. Reporting concerns early can help management or security address problems before they escalate.
Behavioral Warning Signs
People typically do not just "snap", but often display changes in behavior over time. It's helpful if employees know the indicators and behaviors that might signal an increased risk for violence.
There is no single profile of a violent person, and warning signs do not guarantee someone will become violent. However, significant changes in behavior, especially when combined with threats or escalating conflicts, should be taken seriously.
Particularly take note if there is a drastic change in behavior, the frequency and intensity of behavior becomes disruptive, or the person is exhibiting many of the warning signs, such as:
- increased or excessive use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
- noticeable decrease in attention to personal hygiene
- depression, withdrawal or suicidal comments
- overreaction to company policies or persistent complaining about unfair treatment
- repeated violations of company policies
- paranoia, increased severe mood swings, or erratic emotional responses
- noticeably unstable, emotional responses
- explosive outbursts of rage
- increased talk about domestic or severe financial problems
- talk of previous incidents of violence and/or empathy with individuals committing violence
- obsession with firearms, dangerous weapons and violent crimes
The goal is not to diagnose behavior, but to recognize when something appears unsafe and report concerns through proper workplace channels.
RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
The Department of Homeland Security advises all workers to remember this phrase: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
If there is an active shooter situation in your workplace, these three words will help you determine the best way to protect your own life.
Run Away from Danger
If you are able to safely evacuate the area and escape to safety, do so immediately. Getting away from the active shooter(s) should be your top priority.
Prepare ahead of time by always knowing where exits are located. Have an escape route in mind. If you feel that you can safely evacuate, make the decision for yourself and run to safety, regardless of whether others agree to follow at that moment.
Leave everything behind. Do not go back for any of your personal items, it isn't worth it.
Once safe, call 911 and provide as much information as possible, including the location of the shooter, number of people involved if known, and any injuries you observed.
Hide Out of Sight
If you cannot safely evacuate, quickly find a place to hide.
If you are in a room, lock the door and block it with anything available that is heavy. Close blinds and turn off the lights. Silence your cell phone and remain quiet. Stay out of sight and remain calm.
You can attempt to communicate with police silently via text messaging. Stay in place until law enforcement arrives to let you know it is safe to leave.
Fight for Your Life
As a last resort, and only if your life is in immediate danger, attempt to take action against the active shooter and defend yourself.
If escape and hiding are no longer possible, survival may depend on taking action.
Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter by throwing items, improvising weapons and yelling.
This should only be considered when there are no safer options available.
Police Response
Law enforcement officers responding to an active shooter event have one immediate goal: stop the threat as quickly as possible.
When law enforcement arrives, they will typically proceed directly to the area where the last shots were heard in an effort to stop the active shooter as soon as possible.
Responding officers may be carrying rifles, body armor, and emergency equipment. They may shout commands or move quickly through the area.
Officers may shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
When Police Arrive
Understand that the first priority of law enforcement is to end the active shooting incident and when they arrive, they may have to pass injured personnel along the way.
Remain calm, and follow any instructions given by the officers.
If you have any items in your hands, put them down and raise your hands in the air, keeping your hands visible at all times.
Avoid making quick movements towards the officers, like attempting to grab onto police officers for safety.
Sudden movements may create confusion during a dangerous situation.
Once you have arrived at a safe location or assembly point, do not leave until law enforcement have instructed you to do so. They may want to identify and question witnesses.
Be Prepared
No one expects violence to happen at work, but preparation matters.
Knowing exits, participating in drills, understanding emergency procedures, reporting concerns, and mentally preparing for emergencies can help workers respond more effectively during a crisis.
If an active shooter event ever occurs, remember the DHS guidance:
RUN if you can. HIDE if you cannot. FIGHT only as a last resort.
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