Preventing Holiday Workplace Violence Requires Simple Precautions Advises

Vance

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Far too often the holiday season, traditionally a time of family gatherings, celebrations and other festive activities, is marred by violence, often occurring in the workplace. Law enforcement officials and domestic violence centers report increased levels of violence during the holidays, attributable to increased stress and fatigue, over-commercialization and financial pressures.

Vance, a global investigation and security consulting firm with extensive experience in dealing with risk management and workplace violence prevention, recommends some simple steps that companies and their employees can take during the holidays to avoid or reduce the threat of workplace violence.

"There are almost always warning signs that precede workplace violence during the holidays or at any other time," notes Ray O'Hara, Vance Senior Managing Director. "By recognizing and acting on these warning signs, violent incidents can be prevented or controlled before they become tragedies."

Vance suggests that individuals:

* Be on the alert for changes in behavior of colleagues. Signs include

disruptive outbursts or anger out of proportion to the source of

agitation, swift and observable mood swings or any extreme or unusual

behavior.

* Be aware of strangers in and around company facilities. Violence often

is the result of outsiders entering the workplace for confrontations

with employees.

* Be familiar with emergency plans and procedures. Know how to evacuate

offices and buildings if an emergency occurs. Encourage co-workers to do

likewise.

Vance recommends that companies:

* Review emergency procedures with employees. If none exist, make a New

Year's resolution to institute them.

* Remind employees of benefit programs providing counseling and stress

reduction programs to reduce holiday and/or workplace stress and

encourage employees to seek assistance for themselves or colleagues

when needed.

* Institute or review a formal plan of action for use in the event of

emergencies.

"It is always better to act than react," O'Hara advises. "Don't ignore warning signs. Alert your managers to potentially dangerous situations and be empathetic to co-workers who may be struggling with holiday pressures and stress. The holidays should be a joyous time of year and can remain that way if simple, common-sense precautions are followed."

Vance publishes a Safety Measures Handbook that provides additional information on workplace safety and security. For a copy of the handbook and/or to set up an interview with Ray O'Hara and other Vance experts, please contact:

Joe Gavaghan

SparkSource

781-418-2419

jgavaghan@sparksource.com

Vance is the first choice of professionals who need dependable advice to manage risks. With 3,700 employees and highly specialized solutions, Vance is one of the most trusted investigation and security consulting firms in the world, with operations in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. With over twenty years of experience in investigation and security consulting, Vance has earned the reputation as a firm that aspires to higher standards. Vance was founded in 1984 near Washington, DC, and now unifies the complementary expertise of Vance International, Decision Strategies, and The Fairfax Group. For more information, visit http://www.vanceglobal.com. SOURCE Vance