Active Shooter Incident at University of Alabama - Workplace Violence

A woman opened fire during a biology faculty meeting at the University of Alabama's Huntsville campus Friday, killing three faculty members and injuring two other faculty members and a staff member. The reason for the attack appears to be due to the women learning she would not get a tenure faculty position as a full-time biology professor


Active shooter attacks continue to plague school campuses, workplaces, and public venues

•Attacks by disgruntled employees can take place at any workplace and at any time

•While it is the responsibility of law enforcement to respond to such incidents, prevention and initial response to active shooter events fall upon facility security personnel and employees

Too many companies ignore this fact that they need to provide the initial training to their own employees. If something happens your clients or customers will look to your employees for assistance. Do you know what to look for? Can your employees identify the warning signs of a possible workplace violence incident?

Workplace violence can take many forms, ranging from verbal abuse and threats, to physical assaults and robberies, and, in the most extreme cases, homicide. It can lead to employee injuries, stress, increased sick days, reduced morale, lost wages, and higher health-care costs. No one is immune, but by recognizing the potential warning signs and knowing your organization's policies or procedures, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Always take particular note if:

• There is a change in their behavior patterns.

• The frequency and intensity of the behaviors are disruptive to the work environment.

• The person is exhibiting many of these behaviors, rather than just a few.

Some possible warning signs include:

• Crying, sulking or temper tantrums

• Excessive absenteeism or lateness

• Disregard for the health and safety of others

• Disrespect for authority

• Increased mistakes or errors, or unsatisfactory work quality

• Refusal to acknowledge job performance problems

• Faulty decision making

• Testing the limits to see what they can get away with

• Swearing or emotional language

• Overreacting to criticism

• Making inappropriate statements

• Forgetfulness, confusion and/or distraction

• Inability to focus

• Blaming others for mistakes

• Complaints of unfair treatment

• Talking about the same problems repeatedly without resolving them

• Insistence that he or she is always right

• Misinterpretation of communications from supervisors or co-workers

• Social isolation

• Personal hygiene is poor or ignored

• Sudden and/or unpredictable change in energy level

• Complaints of unusual and/or non-specific illnesses

There are many types of training that you can provide your company and its employees. These range from day long classes, down to simple “lunch box” training held over an hour lunch period. Contact Oram Security to learn more. We can develop a Workplace Violence Awareness Course that can also integrate your current security procedures.