Safety &

Workplace Violence Prevention Training

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Definitions

Work practice controls: Procedures and rules which are used to effectively reduce workplace violence hazards.

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Emergency: Unanticipated circumstances that can be life threatening or pose a risk of significant injuries to employees or other persons.

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Engineering controls: An aspect of the built space or a device that removes a hazard from the workplace or creates a barrier between the employee and the hazard.

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Definitions

Threat of violence: Any verbal or written statement, including, but not limited to, texts, electronic messages, social media messages, or other online posts, or any behavioral or physical conduct, that conveys an intent, or that is reasonably perceived to convey an intent, to cause physical harm or to place someone in fear of physical harm, and that serves no legitimate purpose.

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Plan: The workplace violence prevention plan required by LC section 6401.9.

�Log: The violent incident log required by LC section 6401.9.

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Serious injury or illness: Any injury or illness occurring in a place of employment or in connection with any employment that requires inpatient hospitalization for other than medical observation or diagnostic testing, or in which an employee suffers an amputation, the loss of an eye, or any serious degree of permanent disfigurement, but does not include any injury or illness or death caused by an accident on a public street or highway, unless the accident occurred in a construction zone.

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Workplace Violence

Workplace violence: does not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others.

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The threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.

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An incident involving a threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.

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Four workplace violence types:

Type 1 violence - Workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite, and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches employees with the intent to commit a crime.

Type 2 violence - Workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors.

Type 3 violence - Workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager.

Type 4 violence - Workplace violence committed in the workplace by a person who does not work there, but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee.

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Training employees, supervisors, and managers in the provisions of California Center for the Arts, Escondido Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)

Effective procedures to ensure that supervisory and nonsupervisory employees comply with the WVPP. This may include safety inspections, surveys, reviews of incident reports, and interviews.

Provide retraining to employees whose safety performance is deficient with the WVPP.

Recognizing employees who demonstrate safe work practices that promote the WVPP in the workplace by notations in their monthly journal entries or a recognition journal, and email recognition to the employee's supervisor, among other forms of acknowledgment.

Discipline employees for failure to comply with the WVPP. (refer to California Center for the Arts, Escondido existing discipline process)

Audits of incident reports and related investigations, as necessary.

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How to report:

Employees can anonymously report a violent incident, threat, of other violence concerns.

Employees can file an incident report with the Security Officer on duty or the Human Resources Manager.

In case of an emergency, staff should call 911. To report a non-emergent illegal incident, staff should call the non-emergency Escondido Police number at 760-839-4722. For non-illegal, non-emergencies, staff should contact CCAE Security xxxxx or radio channel 1. After calling 911 or the EPD non-emergency number, staff should notify CCAE Security.

Employees can report incidents to their supervisor, HR, or anonymously.

Workplace Violence Reporting:

CCAE Security:

Facilities Director:

HR Manager:

• Alert Employees: presence, location, and nature of workplace violence emergencies

Alarm systems & amplified announcements will be used to alert employees. (alarms may be audible, visual, or both)

Employees will be alerted verbally through phone calls, text, face-to-face or radio communication.

• Evacuation�Evacuation plans include maps of evacuation routes, locations of emergency exits and instructions for sheltering in place.
• Contact�In case of an emergency, staff should call 911. To report a non-emergent illegal incident, staff should call the non-emergency Escondido Police number at 760-839-4722. For non-illegal, non-emergencies, staff should contact CCAE Security at 760-839-4130 or radio channel 1. After calling 911 or the EPD non-emergency number, staff should notify CCAE Security.

1. Emergency Response Procedures

Sheltering in Place

Purpose: Sheltering in place is a safety procedure designed to protect individuals from hazardous situations, such as severe weather or other emergencies that may require staying indoors until it is safe to leave.

When to Shelter in Place:

• When instructed by emergency services or authorities.
• During severe weather conditions (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes).
• During an active threat situation or security emergency.

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Immediate Action:

• Stay Calm: Remain composed to make clear, rational decisions.
• Secure Your Area: Close and lock doors and windows. Seal gaps with available materials (e.g., duct tape, plastic sheeting) to prevent contaminants from entering.
• Stay Indoors: Do not leave the shelter area unless directed by emergency personnel.

Communication:

• Notify Others: Inform coworkers, visitors, or others in your vicinity of the need to shelter in place.
• Alert Authorities: Follow instructions from emergency services or use internal communication systems to stay informed.
• Monitor Updates: Keep updated with reliable news sources or emergency alerts for information on the situation and instructions.

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Sheltering in Place

Safety Measures:

• Find a Safe Location: Choose an interior room or area with minimal windows and external walls. Preferably, select a room with a phone and limited access points.
• Avoid Using Elevators: If you are in a building, use stairs instead of elevators, which may become inoperative during emergencies.
• Prepare Supplies: Gather essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, medications, and any necessary personal items.

Health and Safety:

• Avoid Breathing Contaminants: If necessary, use masks or cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to reduce inhalation of harmful substances.
• Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands regularly and avoid touching your face. If possible, avoid using shared facilities.

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Post-Emergency Actions:

• Wait for Official Instructions: Remain in place until authorities give the all-clear signal or provide further instructions.
• Report Issues: Notify emergency services of any injuries or hazards within your area.
• Follow Evacuation Procedures: Once it is safe to leave, follow established evacuation routes and procedures, ensuring you take any necessary items and avoid areas of potential danger.

Additional Tips:

• Know Your Environment: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your building and the locations of emergency exits and safety equipment.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Regularly update your emergency kit with supplies and ensure it is easily accessible.
• Review Protocols: Regularly review and practice sheltering in place procedures to ensure readiness in an emergency.

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Make the workplace unattractive to robbers by:

• Improve lighting around and at the workplace.
• Post of signs notifying the public that limited cash is kept on the premises and that cameras are monitoring the facility.
• Utilize surveillance measures, such as cameras and mirrors, to provide information as to what is going on outside and inside the workplace and to dissuade criminal activity.
• Hire security guards and have them patrol the workplace interior and perimeter.
• Install security surveillance cameras in and around the workplace.

Additional Safety Measures

• Provide workplace violence systems, such as door locks, violence windows, physical barriers, emergency alarms and restraint systems.
• Ensure the adequacy of workplace violence systems
• Post emergency telephone numbers for law enforcement, fire, and medical services
• Control, access to, and freedom of movement within, the workplace by non-employees, include recently discharged employees or persons with whom one of our employees is having a dispute.
• Install effective systems to warn others of a violence danger or to summon assistance, e.g., alarms or panic buttons.

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Warning signs of potential violence:

• Direct threats of violence towards others.
• Physical altercations or attempts to intimidate others physically.
• Possession of weapons or act of threatening to use one.
• Aggressive or threatening body language (e.g. clenched fists, invading personal space).
• Unusual restlessness or agitation.
• Extreme or irrational behavior.
• Use of abusive or threatening language.
• Sudden outbursts of anger or frustration.
• Stalking or harassing behavior.
• Disregard for safety of others or self.
• Expressing a fascination with incidents of workplace violence reported in the media.
• Showing signs of paranoia or distrust to others.
• Increased conflicts or confrontations.
• Expressing feelings of victimization or persecution.
• Displaying signs of intoxication or substance use.

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Defusing hostile situations

• Stay Calm: Maintain a composed and steady demeanor. Your calmness can help to de-escalate the situation and reassure the other party.
• Use Active Listening: Listen attentively to the individual’s concerns or grievances without interrupting. Show empathy and understanding to validate their feelings.
• Speak Softly & Slowly: Use a calm, steady voice and avoid shouting or using a harsh tone. Speaking slowly can help diffuse tension and make your words more effective.
• Maintain a Non-Threatening Posture: Keep a relaxed and open posture. Avoid crossing your arms or making sudden movements that could be perceived as threatening.
• Acknowledge the Issue: Recognize and validate the person’s feelings or concerns. Avoid dismissing their emotions or concerns as unimportant.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Politely but firmly establish boundaries. If necessary, explain the limits of what you can do and provide alternatives or solutions.
• Avoid Confrontation: Do not argue or escalate the situation. Focus on de-escalating the conversation rather than winning an argument.
• Offer Solutions: If possible, propose practical solutions or alternatives that address the individual's concerns. Demonstrating a willingness to help can reduce hostility.
• Know When to Seek Help: If the situation feels unsafe or beyond your control, seek assistance from security personnel, management, or law enforcement as needed.
• Follow-Up: After resolving the situation, check in with the individual if appropriate to ensure their concerns have been addressed and to reaffirm their safety and satisfaction.

In the event of a violent act

• Medical Attention: �In the event of a violent incident that requires medical attention, staff should use first aid equipment and contact emergency services by dialing 911, the Escondido Police Non-Emergency number, or CCAE Security, based on the urgency of the situation. After calling 911 or the Escondido Police Non-Emergency number, notify CCAE Security and Whiteboard Injury Line as well.
• Post-Event Resources�Counseling and other services are available through the Employee Assistance Program (800)- 356-7089

Emergency Care

Closing Out Procedures

1. All incidents of workplace violence must be reported to Human Resources and Security, and reporting can be done without fear of retaliation.
2. Workplace hazards specific to employee’s jobs and measures taken will be covered in part 2 of the training.
3. CCAE will maintain a Violent Incident Log, copies can be requested from the Facilities Director or HR.
4. Questions can always be asked during training, staff meetings or submitted via email to the Facilities Director.

Safety Scenarios: Group Breakout

How will communication with staff, guests and reporting be handled?

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Who is the point person?

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What are the procedures?

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How are other staff & guests being managed?

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Where are the designated safe areas?

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How are we coordinating with emergency services?

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Scenario #1

A stabbing has occurred at the nearby movie theater, and the armed suspect has fled the scene. The suspect's exact location is unknown, but they are presumed to be in the vicinity. Assume you are on campus working an event with guests. What safety measures and protocols would you follow in this instance?

Scenario #2

During a busy community event, one of the vendors falls and suffers a life-threatening injury outside, in front of guests. There is a significant amount of blood. What safety measures and protocols would you follow in this situation?

Scenario #3

During a large event with multiple children on campus, you notice someone who appears to have overdosed on one of the benches. What safety measures and protocols would you follow in this situation?

Scenario #4

During a large outdoor community event, two guests get into a physical altercation and begin fighting. What safety measures and protocols would you follow in this situation?

Scenario #5

Late at night, while you are alone in your building, an unauthorized person enters your office, blocking the doorway. They appear to be under the influence and are not coherent. What safety measures and protocols would you follow in this situation?

Scenario #6

During a show in the theater, an audience member collapses and appears to be having a heart attack. Immediate medical attention is required. What is the response by staff?

Scenario #7

The fire alarm in the building goes off, and smoke is detected. Guests need to be evacuated quickly and safely. Among the visitors, there is an individual on an upper floor who uses a wheelchair.

Scenario #8

The fire alarm in your department is going off. As you are working with staff to evacuate everyone, a guest approaches you in a panic, stating that their child is still somewhere in the building and their location is unknown. What are the action steps to ensure safe evacuation and address the missing child?

Scenario #9

An employee who was recently terminated for misconduct returns to the workplace visibly upset and confronts their former manager in the lobby shouting threats and causing a scene. You call security but they are handling another emergency situation. What are the steps to ensure safety?

Scenario #10

You enter a coworker's office and find their estranged partner inside, visibly agitated and making threatening remarks. Upon your entry, the partner commands you not to move.

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