Active shooters pose a serious threat in the U.S., so workplaces, including insurance brokerages, must be vigilant. Many situations can lead to mass violence, such as domestic violence spilling into the office or disgruntled employees taking revenge for a perceived injustice. The good news is that employers can prevent tragedy with education and robust security. To protect everyone in your brokerage, incorporate the following into your workplace violence prevention plan.

Educate Your Workforce About Active Shooters

Employers should lead the charge against workplace violence, but employees are in the best position to notice early warning signs. In addition to educating workers about what to do during an active shooter situation, you should host regular training sessions detailing signs that someone may be planning an attack.

You should also create an avenue for employees to report their concerns. The system should be anonymous to prevent a backlash against whistleblowers and balanced to ensure a fair investigation.

Address Bullying Incidents

Workplace bullying is distressingly common, with the vast majority of employees reporting witnessing or being the target of harassment. These incidents have severe consequences, as bullying can negatively impact workers’ mental and physical health. In fact, experts consider bullying a form of workplace violence, one that can precede physical altercations if not addressed.

In addition to targeted bullying, employers should be on the lookout for frequent outbursts and disproportionate anger. Dangerous individuals may also lack patience or be constantly irritable.

Pay Attention to Threats

Many shooters make threats before committing violence. These may be verbal, written, or posted on social media. Potential shooters may make direct threats against the company or specific coworkers, but threats may also take more insidious forms. For example, past shooters have declared violence against groups of people based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and country of origin. They may also avoid explicit threats but brag about their gun collections, shooting abilities, or enjoyment of violence.

Reach Out to Isolated Employees

Shooters tend to withdraw from social circles in the lead-up to workplace violence. This withdrawal may be sudden or gradual, or employees may fail to connect with coworkers from the beginning.

It’s important to note that some individuals are shy, introverted, or struggling with mental health, so social withdrawal isn’t always a cause for alarm. Instead, employers should reach out to isolated employees to gauge their mindset. A coworker may be going through a rough time at home, in which case support is the best approach.

Obtain Active Shooters Insurance

As an insurance broker, you understand the importance of having the proper coverage. While you’ll do your best to avoid an active shooter event, there’s always the chance someone could fall through the cracks. Active shooter insurance helps you and your employees rebuild in the aftermath:

• Counseling and psychiatric services

• Medical expenses and death benefits

• Loss of income due to business interruption

• Repairs for physical damage

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.