Staying Safe in the Face of Workplace Altercations | February 2025

  • Staying Safe in the Face of Workplace Altercations

    Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and while we strive to maintain a secure environment, the reality is that incidents of workplace violence can occur. The question is: are you prepared to act swiftly and effectively if such a situation arises? By equipping ourselves with the knowledge to recognize potential threats and take decisive action, we can better protect ourselves and those around us.

    When it comes to workplace violence, always remember the core principles: AVOID, DENY, and DEFEND.

    AVOID starts with your state of mind.

        • Pay attention to your surroundings.
        • Have an exit plan.
        • Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible.
        • The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.

    DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe even impossible.

        • Keep distance between you and the source.
        • Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
        • Turn the lights off and silence your phone.
        • Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects.

    DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself.

        • If you cannot AVOID or DENY, be prepared to DEFEND yourself.
        • Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
        • Do not fight fairly. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

    Preparedness isn’t just about policies—it’s about personal action. Take the time to visit www.avoiddenydefend.org and www.ready.gov/public-spaces#content for additional resources to help you stay safe in any environment. Safety begins with each of us, and by being informed and prepared, we can create a stronger, more secure workplace for everyone.

    Information courtesy of the ALERRT program of Texas State University.