EARTHQUAKE

Drop, Cover, Hold On: Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly:

• Drop - To the floor
  This will help prevent yourself from falling and put you in a position to take cover.
• Cover - Take Cover under a sturdy desk or table.
  This will protect you from items falling off of walls, bookshelves or ceiling tiles.
• Hold On - To what you chose for cover firmly
  This will ensure that you are protected throughout the earthquake.
  (from: http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/)

Make a plan for workers to follow in the event of an earthquake and be sure that it includes the following precautions:

• Wait in your safe place until the shaking stops, then check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, and then check the people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen or broken, creating hazards. Be ready for aftershocks.
• Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or sparks being released.
• If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator, and look for falling debris. Earthquakes can cause fire alarms and fire sprinklers to go off. You will not be able to rule out whether there is a real threat of fire, and the elevators may have been compromised. Always use the stairs.
• If you're outside in an earthquake, stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and overhead lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within ten feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby. Trees, streetlights and overhead lines may also fall, causing damage or injury.

(from: https://www.osha.gov/dts/earthquakes/preparedness.html)

For more information, please visit the following websites:

OSHA’s Earthquake preparedness site:

• https://www.osha.gov/dts/earthquakes/preparedness.html

What to do in case of an earthquake w/video:

• http://www.earthquakecountry.org/roots/step5.html

Website dedicated to Drop, Cover Hold on:

• http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/
• Click here for Steps to take in an earthquake
• Click here for Earthquake preparedness and response for people with physical and cognitive disabilities.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Definition: Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. Any conduct that creates anxiety, fear, and a climate of distrust in the workplace is part of the workplace violence problem. (OROSHA, 2016)

Recommended Prevention Strategies (OROSHA, n.d)

• Adopting a workplace violence prevention program and communicating the policy to employees.
• Providing regular training in preventive measures for all new and current employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Supporting, not punishing, victims of workplace or domestic violence.
• Adopting and practicing fair and consistent disciplinary procedures.
• Fostering a climate of trust and respect among workers and between employees and management
• Seeking help from threat-assessment psychologists, social service agencies, law enforcement, and other outside sources when necessary.
• Provide safety education for employees so they know what conduct is not acceptable, what to do if they witness or are subjected to workplace violence, and how to protect themselves.
• Secure the workplace. Where appropriate to the business, install video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems; and minimize access by outsiders through identification badges, electronic keys, and guards.
• Instruct employees not to enter any situation where they feel unsafe. Introduce a “buddy system” or provide police escort help in potentially dangerous situations or at night.

Capital Gateway Management Responsibilities

• Take prompt steps in coordination with building security to restrict access to the building to those individuals, identified by tenants or visitors, as potentially violent.
• This will be done through a coordinated effort between property management, tenant, security and the police department (as necessary).
• Tenants should contact Capital Gateway management at 301.493.5585 as soon as possible to request assistance.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Tenants should maintain awareness of potential violent situations and provide appropriate training to employees.
• Indications of potential of workplace violence include:
  • Specific behaviors of concern that should increase vigilance for coworkers and supervisors include:
    • Sadness
    • Depression,
    • Threats
    • Menacing or erratic behavior
    • Aggressive outbursts
    • References to weaponry
    • Verbal abuse
    • Inability to handle criticism
    • Hypersensitivity to perceived slights
    • Offensive commentary or jokes referring to violence.

These behaviors - when observed in clusters and coupled with diminished work performance (as manifested by increased tardiness or absences, poor coworker relations, and decreased productivity) - may suggest a heightened violence potential. (Romano, 2011)

Certain signs that may help determine if a coworker is experiencing such difficulties include:

• Disruptive phone calls and e-mails
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Frequent absences and tardiness
• Use of unplanned personal time
• Disruptive visits from current or former partners (Romano, 2011)
• Make immediate steps to deescalate the situation and notify police as appropriate.
• If you see or become aware of a weapon leave the location and call for 911.

References:

• Developing a Violence Prevention Program, n.d, OR-OSHA
• Workplace Violence Prevention Readiness and Response, 2011, Stephen J. Romano, M.A.; Et Al. FBI
• Workplace Violence: Can it Happen Where you Work?, 2016, OR-OSHA

Additional information:

• OSHA Fact Sheet

ACTIVE SHOOTER

Definition: An “active shooter” is an individual who is engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area (DHS, n.d.)

The following steps should be taken during an active shooter situation:

Run - If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
• Leave your belongings behind
• Help others escape, if possible
• Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
• Keep your hands visible
• Follow the instructions of any police officers
• Do not attempt to move wounded people
• Call 911 when you are safe

Hide - If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

• Be out of the active shooter’s view
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
• Not trap you or restrict your options for movement

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

• Lock the door
• Blockade the door with heavy furniture
• If the active shooter is nearby:
  • Lock the door
  • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
  • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
  • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
  • Remain quiet

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

• Remain calm
• Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
• If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
  

Fight - As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

• Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
• Throwing items and improvising weapons
• Yelling
• Committing to your actions
• CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO
  

References:

Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide, n.d., DHS

Active Shooter How to Respond, n.d. DHS

Additional information:

Run, Hide, Fight Video

DHS Active Shooter How to Respond Poster

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