WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

1. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Introductory and Refresher Training

2. Generally The Fire Department (the “Department”) is concerned and committed to our employees' safety and health. The Department will not tolerate violence in the workplace and will make every effort to prevent violent incidents from occurring by implementing a Workplace Violence Prevention Program (“WPVP”).

3. Overview • All managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing and maintaining the Department’s WPVP Program. • The Department encourages employee participation in designing and implementing our program. • We require prompt and accurate reporting of all violent incidents whether or not physical injury has occurred. • We will not discriminate against victims of workplace violence.

4. Compliance is required • Our program ensures that all employees, including the chiefs, line officers and the Board, adhere to work practices that are designed to make the workplace more secure, and do not engage in verbal threats or physical actions which create a security hazard for others in the workplace. • All employees are responsible for using safe work practices, for following all directives, policies and procedures, and for assisting in maintaining a safe and secure work environment.

5. Threats to you • The mere presence of firefighters (and EMTs) out in the community during responses to emergencies or their participation in other activities, including but not limited to being present in homes and in the streets, opens them up to violent acts, whether intentionally directed towards them or indirectly: • Drunks / Drug users • Criminals • Domestic Violence • Road rage • Districted drivers

6. Threats to you • Firefighters and EMTs, as emergency workers, and the firehouse as a symbol in the community, are potential targets of terrorist attacks; • Arsonists may intend on harming any persons in a house or attempting to save a house from fire; • Assailants may not want you to help victims of an assault; • Members of the public may enter into the firehouse(s) with the intent to harm individuals; • Critical incident related stress of the firefighters which could result in unanticipated and uncharacteristic violent acts.

7. Increased Risks • Bay doors and exterior doors are usually closed and secured, but may be left open during times when members are in the firehouse(s). Leaving doors open however increases risks. • The public may be in the firehouse(s) on occasion, which may result in the inability to prevent planned acts of violence. • The community in general, as our “workplace” is hazardous in general, posing the threat of violent acts, including terrorist acts, arson, and physical harm.

8. Known threats • Weapons of Mass Destruction • Assault with weapons • Intoxicated or drug influenced individuals • Domestic violence • Arson • Driver rage • Criminal acts in progress or concluding • Terrorist Acts • Chemically Assisted Suicide

9. Risk Reporting • All risks of violence shall be reported directly to the Chief. The Chief will bring all reports to the Board. • The Board will determine ways to minimize the risks. • All threats of violence must be reported immediately to the Chief. • All injuries which resulted from an act or attempted act of violence must be reported to the Chief. • All immediate threats of violence shall require police contact. Any person witnessing an act of potential violence shall immediately request police presence.

10. Reporting • The Department maintains a workplace violence program. The program contains forms to report incidents of violence. • These forms should be used to report violence. • In times of emergency, always report matters to the police via phone or radio. • Radios are equipped with ‘Signal 50’ buttons, which are used to report on-scene emergencies. • Remember that when pressing the 50 button, the microphone is open automatically for about 15 seconds. Choose your words carefully!

11. Recognizing Workplace Violence • Some violence is easy to spot: • Yelling, pushing, shoving, verbal threats, weapons presented • Other violence is not easy to detect in advance: • Hidden dangers: • Crime scenes, arson, terrorist acts, domestic violence

12. Workplace dangers • Lighting and locked doors are provided to protect employees. • When locks are broken or lights are out in building or parking lot, report them to be fixed immediately. • The public is not permitted to walk around the firehouse except escorted. • No person should be admitted to the firehouse without permission or with a prior appointment. • Refuse admission to any person which appears to present a threat. Persons have no right to demand entrance. • Guests may not become violent and should be requested to leave if unruly.

13. Crime Scenes • Do not enter any active crime scene or active violent scene until secured by police. • Do not become involved in violent situations. • Do not permit yourself to become trapped in dangerous situations. Always have an escape route. Nothing between you and the door • Always maintain radio communications with persons outside area/facility.

14. Violence from ourselves • Firefighters undergo stress from all of our emergencies. As a result, we are more susceptible to emotional outbreaks. • We must look out for signs of emotional instability from our own co-workers and co-volunteers. • Persons who start to show signs of emotional instability should be reported to the chief for evaluation. • “Short fuses” should not be tolerated. • “Emotional outbursts” with a hint of violence should not be tolerated.

15. Weapons of Mass Destruction • We should recognize that firehouses are targets of terrorism. • Bags left unattended, cars or vans parked in lot, and other unusual actions pose potential threats to firefighters and employees in a firehouse. • Immediately report any unusual or suspicious conduct to the police. • Do not let any questionable people in the firehouse. • Eg: persons claiming to be workmen without a prior appointment. • Confirm all appointments by anyone claiming a right to be in firehouse.

16. Chemically Assisted Suicide • Some persons intend to harm themselves and not others. • Chemicals have been used to take lives. Persons enclose themselves in cars or small rooms to create small, unventilated spaces • Suicidal persons frequently warn first responders not to break windows in cars where they are found. • Responders must be aware not to enter these types of situations • Firefighters, EMS and other first responders must be careful not to expose themselves to potentially dangerous and deadly situations

17. After a violent situation • Persons who encounter violence against them may be understandably affected. • Violence has a long term impact on persons. • The fire district will provide assistance in the form of counseling. • You must report any suspicion that another individual could benefit from counseling.