How Training Fits Within the Larger Picture of Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention

There tends to be a theme regarding Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention (WVPI) training within organizations that lack a comprehensive program.  Commonly, organizations have a WVPI policy.  Many may also provide optional training and, on occasion, mandatory training.  However, training often lacks key context.  Namely, training may be provided about active assailant response while making little or no mention of the WVPI policy and other prevention considerations.  To maximize the effectiveness of a WVPI program, policy and procedures must be paired with training to generate awareness and enterprise-wide integration.  In other words, training is intrinsic to comprehensive WVPI.

Within a WVPI program, there are a few key considerations organizations must address within policy and procedures to be consistent with prevailing standards[1] and best practices.  Among other things, a WV policy defines what violence is for the organization and what kinds of behavior will, or will not, be permitted.  It also defines the various reporting options that individuals are to use for submitting any concerns or violations of the policy.  Secondly, organizations must develop protocols that outline how individuals are to respond to emergencies, such as an active assailant incident.  Therefore, if an organization has a WVPI policy not paired with training and active assailant response training not paired with procedure; of what use if that?

Organizational training absent of policy and procedure to inform it can be useful, but commonly becomes information share and lacks how it aligns or applies within an organization.  This can lead to a policy not being adhered to or embodied.  For WVPI, this can be detrimental because its primary aim is a safe and respectful work environment.  Therefore, policy and procedures should inform training.  Training is the medium in which awareness, adherence, and utilization is generated.

WVPI is an informational process.  If a policy requires individuals to report violations or concerns but are unaware of needing to report or how to report, then those responsible for responding to reports are blind to potential issues.  With blindness to issues, the opportunity arises for potential incidents or emergencies.

Because WVPI is an informational process, it’s imperative that information (reports and concerns) routes to designated recipients for review and follow-up.  This is precisely how training fits in.  Training brings policy alive.  It educates everyone about what to do, who to share information with, where, when, why, and how.  With sound policy and procedures as described above, a training program can facilitate organizational awareness and maximize opportunity for WV prevention.

As mentioned earlier, many organizations limit their focus to active assailant response in their training—if they provide any at all.  However, that limits the effectiveness of a WVPI policy.  In addition to active assailant response, training must also address four other key issues: (1) basic facts about the behavioral and psychological considerations of WV, (2) guidance outlined within the WVPI policy, reporting, and responsibilities, (3) recognition of WV warning signs, and (4) intimate partner violence and its impact on the workplace.  Addressing each of these issues educates individuals on the wider spectrum included within WV and helps better facilitate the overall aims of WVPI.

Holistic WV prevention requires far more than a policy unknown by an organization’s people and/or training that is disconnected from programmatic structure.  Policy and procedures must be implemented and paired with training to facilitate the embodiment and utilization of that infrastructure throughout the organization.  This is how organizational awareness is generated, which promotes opportunity for purposeful action if issues arise—maximizing opportunity for prevention.

[1] Namely, OSHA 02-01-058 and ANSI ASIS WVPI AA-2020 Standard

By: Jake Newton, Vice President of Security Solutions, Center for Personal Protection and Safety, Inc.