The FBI classifies an active shooter as an individual(s) actively attempting to kill people in populated areas. There are no indicators that, as of now, we are going to see a decrease in active shooter incidents. The latest data shows they have increased by 52% from 2020 to 2021. Per the FBI, in 2021, there were 61 active shooter incidents resulting in 103 fatalities, with an additional 140 wounded. Of all the shooting incidents, a majority occurred in a place of commerce or business.

Workplace violence is a concern for all, and homicide is one of the leading causes of job-related fatalities. Per Paul Huang, Vice President at Newfront, “There has been an alarming increase in workplace violence and active shooter events across the country. As a society, we have a responsibility to encourage conversations with our communities and organizations to address the issues head on. Developing awareness, assessment, and de-escalations skills are just as important as implementing a robust emergency response plan.” Many workers are vulnerable, especially those who interact and have extensive contact with the public. An estimated two million workers in the United States are subjected to workplace violence every year. For this reason, it is critical to have an emergency plan in place.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA Act) requires employers provide a safe and healthful workplace for all workers. It is critical that employers set up safety protocols and always encourage employees to report all violence, and establish a zero-tolerance policy. Included in this should be a violence prevention program. It is extremely important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the program and are made to understand that workplace violence will not be tolerated. Employees must also learn how best to protect themselves to avoid becoming a victim of workplace violence.

"As a society, we have a responsibility to encourage conversations with our communities and organizations to address the issues head on. Developing awareness, assessment, and de-escalations skills are just as important as implementing a robust emergency response plan."

Join Newfront’s Scott Rhymes as he moderates our webinar featuring a panel of industry experts including: Paul Marshall, Managing Director at McGowan Program Administrators, Robert Mielish, Protective Security Advisor at U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Sarah Saluta, Executive Director San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools.

The panelists will discuss:

• Active shooter workplace violence emergency action plan

• How to develop an awareness of escalating situations, as well as how to diffuse them

• What schools and organizations are doing to encourage engagement and preparation

• Workplace violence risk mitigation, insurance, and resources