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When you go to work,
don't leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime
that can happen at home or in your neighborhood can happen in the
workplace. But common-sense prevention skills can help make life
"at work" safer for all.
HELP PREVENT OFFICE THEFT AND OTHER CRIMES
-
Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other
valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
-
Check the identity
of
any
strangers
who
are
in
your
office
-
ask
whom
they
are
visiting
and
if
you
can
help
them
find
that
person.
If
this
makes
you
uncomfortable,
inform security or management about your suspicions.
-
Always let someone know where you'll be
- whether it's coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or
mail room, or going out to lunch or a meeting.
-
If you bring personal items to work,
such as a coffee pot, a radio, or a calculator, mark them with your name
or initials and an identification number.
-
Report any broken or flickering lights,
dimly lit corridors, doors that don't lock properly, and broken windows.
Don't wait for someone else to do it.
-
Be discreet. Don't advertise your
social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people
visiting or calling your place of work.
TAKE A LOOK AT COMMON TROUBLE SPOTS
-
Reception area - Is the receptionist
equipped with a panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at
another employees desk, and a lock on the front door that can be
controlled?
-
Stairwells and
out-of-the-way corridors - Don't use stairs alone. Talk to the
building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.
-
Elevators - Don't get into
elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or
threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with
someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
-
Restrooms - Attackers can
hide in stalls and corners. Make sure restrooms are locked and
only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms
that are isolated or poorly lighted.
-
After hours - Don't work
late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or
public transportation or ask security to escort you.
-
Parking lots or garages -
Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock
your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any
strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police.
When you approach your car, have your keys ready. Check the floor
and front and back seats before getting in. Lock your car as soon
as you get in - before you buckle your seat belts.
TAKE A LOOK AT COMMON TROUBLE SPOTS
Violence in the workplace
takes many forms, from raised voices and profanity to sexual harassment,
robbery, or homicide. While homicide in the workplace is rising,
75 percent of work-related homicides are committed by unknown assailants
while committing a robbery or other crimes. Despite media hype,
the attacker usually isn't a disgruntled co-worker. To asses a
workplace's vulnerability to violence, ask yourself these questions:
-
Is your office secure? Do you have
easy-to-use phone systems with emergency buttons, sign-in policies for
visitors, panic buttons, safe rooms, security guards, office access
controls, good lighting, and safety training?
-
Does your employer take care in hiring and
firing? Before hiring, are employment gaps, history, references,
and criminal and educational records thoroughly examined? Are
termination procedures defined clearly with attention to advance notice,
severance pay, and placement services?
-
Could you recognize potentially violent
employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence include:
depression, frequent absences, talking in a louder-than-normal voice,
being startled easily, increased irritability and impatience, and
concentration or memory problems.
-
Are you encouraged to report unusual or
worrisome behavior? Is there a clear, written policy that spells
out procedures in cases of violence and sanctions for violators?
Make sure you know to whom you should report unusual behaviors.
-
Do you work in a supportive, harmonious
environment? Is there a culture of mutual respect? Does your
employer provide an employee assistance program (EAP)?
If you have any questions, please contact
Deputy Shawn Brownell at (818) 878-1808 extension 3103. |
