Workplace Violence - Run Toward It!
I’m a salaried employee that does relocations for my company. I was told to do a relo “asap” due another incident of violence. I asked what the nature of this violence was, where the destination is and to kindly define asap. I was told to look in the file. There is a destination address, but no other info. The file states that the relo should be treated as urgent due to ongoing safety concerns as the building has experienced documented incidents of violence in the lobby and surrounding area. I asked again for details before I can appropriately plan and execute. I also need a better understanding of what urgent means - immediately, within a certain timeframe or a defined deadline? I was clear, I’m not seeking confidential or personally identifiable info. However, as the person responsible for planning the relo, I need to ensure the safety of both myself and my crew. I need to understand the nature of the incidents, whether there are security measures in place, if the staff is currently occupying the space, and whether there are any specific precautions we should be taking while on site? I’m trying to evaluate operational risks in order to create an execution plan that reasonably addresses the safety concerns and ensure reasonable precautions are in place to protect my crew, company personnel and the company itself. I was told to “handle it”….no direction, no answers - just an address! I can make it happen, that’s not the issue. Do I need an armed guard, a weapon, a body guard or is it someone blowing it up? I don’t know!!! And when? And what’s moving, is there trash? Are we buying new furniture? What’s the layout? How do I get in? Any building rules? Insurance requirements? Time restrictions? The area is very rough, I get it…,should I call an employment lawyer or a bodyguard?