The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture
She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Legal
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture

Career, Cubicle Life · August 28, 2015

Workplace Violence and Having a Plan In Case of an Emergency


Workplace Violence and Having a Plan In Case of an Emergency

Due to the recent event of a workplace induced killing in which a former employee shot and killed two of his previous coworkers, I thought this would be a good time to bring up the issue of workplace violence and why it’s super important to have a plan in case of an emergency. We have these types of emergency plans in our homes and schools, but the workplace is also a place where we should be prepared. In recent years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, two million employees have reported being a victim of some sort of workplace violence act—and of those 2 million, less than half goes reported.

This latest act of workplace violence showcases that a person’s disturbed mental state can lay dormant, even years after they’ve left their place of employment. Vester Lee Flannagan was terminated from this place of employment, WDBJ in Virginia, two years ago and was escorted out of the studio by security. This did not stop him from coming back after many months had passed and committing the ultimate act of violence. WDBJ did everything right, and yet, Alison Parker and Adam Ward, two of their employees were murdered in cold blood. When working with others, you can never fully get rid of workplace violence, but you can have systems in place just in case it occurs. The warning signs of a disturbed individual with a propensity of violence are almost always there.

Know the Signs and Report Immediately

If you are a witness to disturbing behavior by a coworker, report it immediately to your manager and/or HR department. I would rather have you overreact than to not be proactive when gauging issues with a potentially violent employee. If you are aware of behavior such as vicious mood swings, lashing out at others, joking about committing violent acts, being cruel and disrespectful to others, report it and request a intermediary. Also, make sure to file a report in written form as well.

Do Not Escalate

When dealing with someone who is potentially violent, cut off the communication and do the above. Don’t go back and forth with this person, or let the issue escalate. Take it to a third party who is up the chain of command and handle it that way. Do not entertain people who are dangerous.

Get the Authorities Involved

To take it a step further, if you feel that a present or past coworker may have the propensity to harm you in any way, verbally or physically, seek out law enforcement guidance who may be able to help you secure a restraining order, or other safeguards.

emergency exit
emergency exit

When at work, it’s important to have a Workplace Emergency Plan should you need to try to flee the area because of a violence act or state of emergency. Many workplaces have a set plan in place, which is usually given to you upon orientation. If you don’t have this plan, see your HR administrator right away. And if there isn’t a plan in place, create you own which should include the following:

Sample Emergency Plan

Create an emergency plan and memorize it. Know where you will go should an emergency occur and how you will contact people (or how people will contact you). Have a meeting place for you and other coworkers that is outside of the actual office space.

Procede in lockdown mode

If you are in an office with a door, go in lockdown mode and secure yourself in the office until help arrives.

Call police/911

Make sure you have a way to contact 911 or the authorities should you be separated from your phone or the phone lines are down.

Be familiar with exits and stairways

Know the quickest way out of your office alongside the various exits and stairways. Being familiar with your office layout and floor plan will help you be able to flee quicker should you have to.

No one wants to be involved with workplace violence and a possible emergency situation, but it is better to be safe and sorry. And while having an emergency plan in place while reporting potentially violent individuals won’t alleviate all cases of horrific workplace emergencies, it can certainly help.

Do you need additional resources? Please read Does Your Job Have an Employee Assistance Program and Navigating the Workplace with Clinical Depression or Anxiety.


Related Posts

  • Workplace Matters- Embracing Disabilities in the Office

    While I was perusing the boob tube today, I came across a television commercial about…

  • Shine: 10 Tips for Effective Work Life Balance Vlog #2 Unplug

    In the 2nd video of my eBook series about Work Life Balance & Work Life…

  • Shine: 10 Tips for Effective Work Life Balance Vlog Series

    Yay! We've created Shine: 10 Tips for Effective Work Life Balance Vlog Series, which serves…

In: Career, Cubicle Life · Tagged: career, emergency plan, safety tips, workplace, workplace violence

join the cube

You’ll Also Love

ou are in your professional zone, but networking in your 40s is just as important as when you first began. Here's why.From Experience to Influence: Networking in Your 40s
Navigating Career Challenges During Midlife
Navigating midlife professionally can be a daunting task. I'm sharing essential career tips for women over 40 that can help you be successful.Navigating Midlife: Essential Career Tips for Women Over 40

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

Getting Veggie With It: Learning About Food in Woodland #MeetVeggies (Sponsored)

Advertisement


Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & and empty-nester. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

Buy My New Holiday Novel

join the cube

Recent Posts

  • The Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to Building an IV Therapy Brand
  • Career Options in Medicine: Exploring PA and MD Pathways
  • Planning a Vacation to Orlando: The Best Places to Shop and Explore
  • Seattle Round Trip: Elliott Bay, Hawaii, Alaska and More
  • Letter To My Daughter As She Turns 21: The World Is Yours

The Cube on Facebook

Checkout my NEW podcast

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts

Affiliate

Perdue Farms Special Offer

View the blog

instagram

Follow @thecubiclechick

She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul nurturer. A blessing. ✨
Follow on Instagram

Work With Me

  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

join the cube

Site Info

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 The Cubicle Chick · Theme by 17th Avenue