Letter from the President
Dear Friends:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that two million Americans are victims of workplace violence each year—a fact that was recently underscored by the tragic shootings in Missouri and Mississippi. The morning after these incidents took place, LifeCare sent all of its clients nationwide two publications: Preventing Workplace Violence—An Employer’s Guide and Preventing Workplace Violence—An Employee’s Guide. If you’re not a client but are interested in receiving a free copy of these guides, please contact Jim Derivan at pr1@lifecare.com or call him at 203-291-4196.

I’d like to remind clients that we offer a variety of printable educational materials and other tools and resources regarding workplace violence through our call center and our private web site. In addition, we provide information and resources on related safety issues (preventing school violence, domestic violence, children’s safety, etc.). Please remind your employees that this material is always available to them. Or contact your account manager, who will be happy to help you create a customized promotion to your workforce.

It isn’t always easy but it is possible to recognize the warning signs that precede an act of violence in the workplace. By getting to know your co-workers, their moods and personalities—and any recent and possibly upsetting situations in their life—you may be better able to recognize unusual or worrisome behaviors that may indicate an individual is troubled or violent. For example, experts say that people who commit violent crimes in the workplace don’t suddenly “snap.” They generally suffer from psychological or emotional troubles for some time beforehand.

Here are some other tips for recognizing the potential warning signs for violent behavior:

	Increased absenteeism or tardiness; decreased productivity.
	Crying or laughing at inappropriate times.
	Impaired judgment, concentration, or ability to reason. For example, a person who formerly made reliable decisions may now make questionable decisions.
	Newly acquired poor personal hygiene habits.
	Poor impulse control (person will seem impulsive, reckless or inappropriate).
	Acute sensitivity to criticism and/or paranoia.
	Failure to take responsibility for actions.
	Contempt for supervisors or other members of company leadership team.

Obviously, not all employees who exhibit one or more of these signs are necessarily capable of violence. These are simply some of the warning signs that the potential for violence might exist.

One of the best steps organizations can take to help safeguard themselves is to establish and distribute security, safety and emergency policies on a regular basis. You might also consider providing safety-related training to employees and especially to your HR staff. If a violent act should take place at your organization, consider providing post-trauma counseling to your employees. It will not only help them cope emotionally with what’s happened but it will return them to being focused and productive more quickly.

As always, we value your feedback and would appreciate knowing how we can serve you better. Call us at 800-873-4636, e-mail us at connection@lifecare.com, or fax us at 203-291-3571.

Sincerely,

John B. Place, President