A workplace is not necessarily a big corporation for it to consider the safety of its employees important.
The working conditions vary among businesses in Virginia. An office located in Alexandria will have its own worries while those in Fairfax, Arlington, McLean or Tysons will have theirs.
What all of them have in common is the issue of considering the challenges which come as a result of situations that may arise at work.
It is in such situations that the workplace violence prevention in Virginia becomes more than just a written policy. The workplace violence prevention in Virginia becomes an integral part of preparing the people and the environment for the unexpected.
For most organizations, the first step of workplace violence prevention in Virginia is accepting that workplace safety is not the concern of any individual or any particular department.
What Is Workplace Violence Prevention?
Workplace violence prevention involves the strategies, procedures, training, awareness, and security systems that an organization puts into place to minimize the likelihood of workplace violence.
Prevention strategies can encompass far more than just physical security.
An organization can evaluate their visitor policies, employee reporting procedures, emergency plans, access control systems, workplace policies, and techniques for evaluating and responding to threatening behavior.
There is even workplace violence prevention guidance from the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency that covers preparation, prevention, response, threats, policies, and checklists for workplace violence.
What matters is that the strategies be practical and relevant to the organization.
Why Should Virginia Businesses Think About Workplace Violence Prevention?
Every office has its own people, processes, environment, and issues.
The company could have people working late shifts, visitors, entryways, customer service personnel, vulnerable areas, or issues involving people being separated in the workplace and workplace conflict.
Not all these factors mean an incident will take place.
They are just examples of why companies need to be aware of their environment and have the right policies in place.
Northern Virginia companies need to consider their people who may travel to different locations including airports, offices, hotels, and meeting locations.
A good workplace-security policy should take into consideration the reality of how the business works.
What Are Some Warning Signs a Workplace May Need Additional Security Planning?
Nevertheless, it is impossible to find a particular behavior that would guarantee the onset of violent actions, and no employee must try to diagnose or classify their co-worker.
Nonetheless, some changes or events may be recognized by an organization and require proper management action.
Some examples include:
Threats or threatening actions
Workplace conflicts that keep escalating
Large-scale disputes between employees or ex-employees
Frequent attempts to bypass the security system
Behavior that seems odd and was reported by other employees
Inappropriate access to restricted zones
Termination or disciplinary process that requires further planning
Of course, the answer would depend on the specific situation.
Employees have to use organizational reporting processes and contact the relevant authorities in case of emergency.
How Can Businesses Improve Workplace Security?
Improving security in the workplace does not always have to entail creating a tightly controlled workplace environment.
Often, it is possible to achieve great improvements through small steps which will help to clarify procedures and make them easy to implement.
A business can consider:
Access procedures: Who should have access to the building or to certain parts of it?
Visitors: What about visitors, vendors and contractors?
Emergency communication: Is it clear how employees will receive security information?
Reporting procedures: Is it known to employees who to report to when they encounter any security problem?
Physical environment: Have entrances, exits, meeting rooms and restricted areas been properly taken into account?
Incident planning: Has the company planned how employees will behave in case of an emergency?
The point is to develop procedures that can be understood and implemented by people.
When Should a Business Consider Professional Security Services?
It should be noted that not all businesses require the constant presence of security officers.
However, there are cases where the assistance of a security firm might be required.
Thus, a business could need extra security measures in connection with an employee termination, a business event, a meeting of note, or other events.
In such a case, a professional security firm will help assess the situation and determine the type of assistance needed.
Tullis Worldwide Protection offers protective services including workplace violence and corporate security.
Workplace Violence Prevention in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia consists of various organizations including those in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Tysons, and Reston among others.
There could be certain local conditions that may need to be taken into account when preparing the security plan for your organization.
For instance, the office in Alexandria will have different access and visitor policies compared to the corporate office in Fairfax.
The business located in Arlington is likely to have its executives visiting Washington, DC.
A company in McLean or Tysons is going to have corporate meetings all the time.
You do not need to have one security plan applied across the board.
What Should a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Include?
It is important for the plan to be clear and actionable.
Depending on the organization, the plan will cover:
Reporting of security issues by employees
Incident management of security issues
Communication during emergencies
Procedures for visitors and access
Escalation of workplace conflict
Employee termination
Emergency contacts
Cooperation with emergency services
Responsibilities related to security
Post incident procedures
CISA guidelines on workplace violence also stress the importance of developing programs for organizations that help them in dealing with such incidents.
The actual plan should be based on the organization’s workplace and policy considerations.
What Is the Role of a Security Company?
The additional expertise and support that can be gained from a professional security company.
This may include security guards, workplace violence security, site security, executive protection, escort services, and security in a specific situation.
Tullis Worldwide Protection states that the workplace-violence service is meant to support safe working environments while the corporate security service provides low-key security for potential workplace violence scenarios.
The correct service will depend on the organization’s needs and not a prepackaged service.
How Do You Choose a Workplace Security Company in Virginia?
Firms that need security services in Virginia would benefit from doing more than just price shopping.
Some questions to ponder include the following:
- Does the firm have any experience in dealing with firms?
- Does it have any services available in Virginia?
- Is customization possible?
- Does it have short-term and long-term capability?
- Does it help prevent workplace violence?
- Does it work with existing procedures at the firm?
- Does it have qualified and licensed personnel?
The Department of Criminal Justice Services handles private security licensing and registrations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, it provides details regarding private security firms and personnel on its website.
Firms can make use of the state’s resources in checking licensing.
Can Workplace Security Work Alongside Executive Protection?
Absolutely.
It is possible for a firm to have basic requirements of workplace security as well as require executive protection.
For instance, an executive may move from the corporate headquarters in Northern Virginia, then a meeting in Washington D.C., and finally, the airport. It is possible to arrange executive protection without involving the normal workplace security of the organization.
Tullis arranges executive protection not only in Virginia but all across the country and the world.
This is important where an organization requires more than just workplace security.
What Should Employees Do If They Have a Security Concern?
Employees need to be aware of how they can raise their concerns in accordance with the processes already set out within the organization.
In case of any emergency, employees must adhere to the emergency processes and alert the relevant emergency services.
However, for situations that are not emergencies, it would be possible to raise the issue through management, human resource departments, security officers, or through any other process within the organization.
The key factor in all this is to never ignore the issue at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does workplace violence prevention entail?
Workplace violence prevention includes policies, procedures, training, awareness, security planning, and response efforts aimed at helping organizations to prevent and address workplace violence situations.
How can a Virginia company enhance workplace security?
Companies may review access control, visitor protocol, employee reporting mechanisms, communication during emergencies, workplace policies, and physical security arrangements. They can also seek professional security services if required.
Is workplace violence prevention applicable to small companies?
Yes, workplace security planning can apply to companies of varying sizes based on their particular considerations. The appropriate strategy will depend on the characteristics of the business.
When should a company hire workplace security services?
When a company has some concerns about security, requires more personnel for certain events or situations, or would like to develop a better organized security strategy, then it may consider using security services.
Are there workplace security services in Northern Virginia?
Professional security services may be provided throughout Northern Virginia and neighboring areas such as Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Tysons, etc.
What should I consider when selecting a security firm in Virginia?
Some things to consider include the experience of the firm, the geographical service area covered, relevant licenses or certifications, the services offered, the firm’s ability to customize assignments, and understanding of the requirements of the organization.
Creating a More Prepared Work Environment
Workplace security does not mean instilling unnecessary fear. Rather, it means preparing and communicating within the context of proper procedures in the work environment.
A review of workplace security processes is one that companies in Virginia and Northern Virginia may find helpful as part of overall business planning.
Tullis Worldwide Protection provides services in workplace violence management, corporate security, executive protection, security escorts, diplomatic protection, and corporate investigations. Founded in 2006 by Devin Tullis, the company started out as a firm providing executive-protection services, but grew to become a company catering to clients in Virginia, the United States and globally.
Companies can analyze their situations and decide if they need any professional security assistance.
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