What is a crisis? A crisis is any event that threatens a person, group of people, or the company itself. Crisis can occur any time, day or night, weekday or weekend. A company that anticipates a crisis, and prepares for such an event, is better able to avoid negative situations completely, or, if the situation occurs, better able to manage it.
Internal Risks
Internal risks occur inside of the company property, or during company hours and involve an employee and their duties. The internal risks of crisis are many. Triggers that take place outside of the workplace, can result in a reaction or escalation within the company. Vendors, employees, customers, any of these people could pose the risk of committing an act of violence within a company or on its property. Internal risks are not always a violent act, such as an assault, it could also come in the form of threatening emails, unwanted deliveries, etc.
Another source of internal risk for violence, is the company and its management. Understaffed sites and poorly managed departments are another risk that could trigger an escalation to violence. High turnover rates, under equipped areas, and poorly organized departments can be a source of stress that should be addressed before an event does occur.
External Risks
External risks, are just like they sound, they are the risks that the company or employees have from the outside environment. Strangers, non-employees, anyone not related to the company. These risks can include crimes like robbery, larceny, and drive by shootings, etc.
Although external risks are not as easily controlled as internal risks, the risk of an external event occurring can be lessened. With the proper analysis of the operations of the company, risks can be mitigated: a drop safe for deposits at the cash register, security cameras, etc.
Aggression
Aggression is defined as violent or hostile behavior, without provocation. It can also mean the readiness of the aggressor to confront those perceived to have wronged the them. Aggression usually results in the physical or mental harm to one’s self, or others. There can be warning signs of aggressive behavior: a withdrawal from social life and isolation from others, losing one’s temper more easily, and violent outbursts against inanimate objects.
Violence
The textbook definition of violence is, “The use of physical force or power to hurt, damage, or otherwise do harm to others or property of others.” Other definitions describe violence as a criminal offense of physical force or intimidation; an extreme form of aggression. Workplace violence occurs more often than many of us realize. Violence can be committed by a stranger, a co-worker, a manager, even the owner. Most violent acts have warning signs that indicate a person’s emotional state may be escalating, and that they are a danger to others.
Every company needs a stern and well-planned policy and program educating its employees about workplace violence. Every employee needs to be made aware that violence will not be tolerated. A culture of non-violence, is one way to protect everyone, including customers, from an unpleasant event.
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