This document summarizes a presentation on common myths about workplace violence. It discusses 9 myths, including that workplace violence is rare, it will never happen at one's company, postal workers face more risk, and that security measures alone can prevent violence. For each myth, it provides counter evidence and statistics showing the reality is that violence is widespread, can happen anywhere, and that prevention requires more than just security. It aims to raise awareness of the true risks and dispel complacent views.

1. Workplace Violence
Awareness – Planning - Response
9 Common Myths Putting
Your Company At Risk!
Because… “Prevention is NOT Enough!”

2. Presented by:
Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI
Founder & CEO
of…
Warrior Concepts International, Inc
WCI Consulting
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870
USA
Phone: +1-570-884-1119

3. Who is Jeffrey Miller…
…and why should you listen to
anything he has to say about
workplace violence training, or
the related security systems
which augment and support
this training?

4. Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI
Internationally known and recognized:
Security Consultant, Author, Speaker, Trainer,
and Workplace Violence Protection Expert
Specializing in the realms of:
Self-defense
Attack Avoidance
Assault Evasion, and…
Personal Safety
Learn more about Jeff, and
why he is the perfect choice
for helping you make your
company “Attack-Proof” at:
Attackproofmycompany.com

5. Some of the clients and organizations
helped by WCI & Jeffrey M. Miller…

6. Additional Information
To begin the process with a full company
security risk/threat assessment & policy review,
contact WCI Consulting:
By phone: +1 (570) 884-1119
By email: info@warrior-concepts-online.com
URL: attackproofmycompany.com

7. Overview

8. Overview
While we can't do much about what people believe,
in general, about the world around them,

9. Overview
While we can't do much about what people believe,
in general, about the world around them, we can take
personal responsibility for what we believe ourselves…

10. Overview
While we can't do much about what people believe,
in general, about the world around them, we can take
personal responsibility for what we believe ourselves…
…especially when our beliefs center around our own
personal safety, and the safety of those for whom we
are responsible.

11. Overview
This presentation explores 9 common myths about
workplace violence, and how these unfounded
beliefs actually serve to perpetuate and aggravate the
problem of violence in the workplace.

12. Overview
This presentation explores 9 common myths about
workplace violence, and how these unfounded
beliefs actually serve to perpetuate and aggravate the
problem of violence in the workplace.
They also contribute a great deal to the design, focus,
and implementation of what has become standard practice
for many companies, schools, and organizations.

13. Overview
These myths may also lay at the very foundation as to
why 70% of U.S. companies, and an even greater number
of companies worldwide

14. Overview
These myths may also lay at the very foundation as to
why 70% of U.S. companies, and an even greater number
of companies worldwide DO NOT have even the simplest
of workplace violence training policies in place.

15. Overview
These myths may also lay at the very foundation as to
why 70% of U.S. companies, and an even greater number
of companies worldwide DO NOT have even the simplest
of workplace violence training policies in place.
And why less than 3% of those who do have policies,
have anything close to the kind of training that will
actually save lives and prevent or mitigate
injury in the face of actual violence!

16. Overview
After all…

17. Overview
After all…
…we ARE talking about workplace “VIOLENCE!”

18. Overview
After all…
…we ARE talking about workplace “VIOLENCE!”
And any policy, plan, or system put into place should
address, and allow you to respond to, and recover
quickly…

19. Overview
After all…
…we ARE talking about workplace “VIOLENCE!”
And any policy, plan, or system put into place should
address, and allow you to respond to, and recover
quickly…
…Before, During, and After an actual act
of violence in your workplace!

20. Additional Resources

21. Additional Resources
REMEMBER:
You can get more information, as well as an 8-Phase Strategic
Response Plan and Training Model for serious C-Level Executives,
Human Resource, Facilities, and Security Managers in this related,
detailed presentation on Slideshare.com. Get it by clicking here.

22. Additional Resources
Prospective clients who contact us with serious inquires also
receive a copy of a special report written by Mr. Miller,
titled: “Attack-Proof Your Facility.”

23. Additional Resources
Prospective clients who contact us with serious inquires also
receive a copy of a special report written by Mr. Miller,
titled: “Attack-Proof Your Facility.”
To get your copy, go to: attackproofmycompany.com
And complete the special contact form

24. Myth vs. Reality
Examining 9 Myths & Realities of
Workplace Violence

25. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.

26. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
Unfortunately, we can find ourselves living in a bubble of complacency.
And, unless we're shaken out of our sleepwalking state by a terrifying
news story, we tend to not notice less horrific things around us.

27. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
Unfortunately, we can find ourselves living in a bubble of complacency.
And, unless we're shaken out of our sleepwalking state by a terrifying
news story, we tend to not notice less horrific things around us.
Between the lack of news coverage for all but the worst incidents,
and the general lack of reporting in about half of all incidents not
involving murder (according to OSHA)…

28. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
Unfortunately, we can find ourselves living in a bubble of complacency.
And, unless we're shaken out of our sleepwalking state by a terrifying
news story, we tend to not notice less horrific things around us.
Between the lack of news coverage for all but the worst incidents,
and the general lack of reporting in about half of all incidents not
involving murder (according to OSHA)…
It’s no wonder this myth exists!

29. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
And, since OSHA estimates that only about half of all incidents are ever
reported*, the total is closer to 2 million workers being shot, stabbed,
robbed, beaten, or otherwise assaulted (approx. 38,500 each week!)…
* A good example is the recent shootings in a Florida business by a former employee who
had previously punched a fellow employee a full year before he was fired for similar behavior!

30. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
And, since OSHA estimates that only about half of all incidents are ever
reported*, the total is closer to 2 million workers being shot, stabbed,
robbed, beaten, or otherwise assaulted (approx. 38,500 each week!)…
ON TOP OF the approximately 1,000 homicides and 51,000 sexual
assaults occurring each year!

31. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
And, since OSHA estimates that only about half of all incidents are ever
reported*, the total is closer to 2 million workers being shot, stabbed,
robbed, beaten, or otherwise assaulted (approx. 38,500 each week!)…
ON TOP OF the approximately 1,000 homicides and 51,000 sexual
assaults occurring each year!
Armed with new information

32. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
And, since OSHA estimates that only about half of all incidents are ever
reported*, the total is closer to 2 million workers being shot, stabbed,
robbed, beaten, or otherwise assaulted (approx. 38,500 each week!)…
ON TOP OF the approximately 1,000 homicides and 51,000 sexual
assaults occurring each year!
Armed with new information, and the added reality of “lone wolf” terror
attacks, and it becomes easier to see why the U.S.
Federal Bureau of Investigation has stated that…

33. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.
And, since OSHA estimates that only about half of all incidents are ever
reported*, the total is closer to 2 million workers being shot, stabbed,
robbed, beaten, or otherwise assaulted (approx. 38,500 each week!)…
ON TOP OF the approximately 1,000 homicides and 51,000 sexual
assaults occurring each year!
Armed with new information, and the added reality of “lone wolf” terror
Attacks, and it becomes easier to see why the U.S.
Federal Bureau of Investigation has stated that…
“Your workplace is quite likely the most dangerous
place most people could find themselves.”

34. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.

35. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that says…

36. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that says…
“If I bury my head in the proverbial sand, I can make danger
disappear.“

37. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that says…
“If I bury my head in the proverbial sand, I can make danger
disappear.“
The truth is that workplace violence can happen in any business, at
anytime, and anywhere.

38. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that says…
“If I bury my head in the proverbial sand, I can make danger
disappear.“
The truth is that workplace violence can happen in any business, at
anytime, and anywhere.
And, it does. In fact, I've consulted with executives, business owners,
and employees from not only the US, but also Canada,
Germany, England, France, Japan, and Thailand.

39. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that says…
“If I bury my head in the proverbial sand, I can make danger
disappear.“
The truth is that workplace violence can happen in any business, at
anytime, and anywhere.
And, it does. In fact, I've consulted with executives, business owners,
and employees from not only the US, but also Canada,
Germany, England, France, Japan, and Thailand.
And...

40. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
The story is the same:

41. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #2: It will never happen here.
The story is the same:
Today's workplaces can be the most violent environments in which
you can find yourself.

42. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.

43. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.
Unfortunately, due to a few incidents which occurred decades ago, the
post office and it's employees have garnered a much undeserved
reputation for violence.

44. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.
Unfortunately, due to a few incidents which occurred decades ago, the
post office and it's employees have garnered a much undeserved
reputation for violence.
Even the phrase, "going postal," is still popular after nearly four
decades of it's creation.

45. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.
Unfortunately, due to a few incidents which occurred decades ago, the
post office and it's employees have garnered a much undeserved
reputation for violence.
Even the phrase, "going postal," is still popular after nearly four
decades of it's creation.
The reality is that only about 3% of all incidents occur within all
government agencies - combined!

46. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.
In fact, post office employees, as with any government workers, are
probably some of the "least" likely to encounter violence in the
workplace.

47. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.
In fact, post office employees, as with any government workers, are
probably some of the "least" likely to encounter violence in the
workplace.
While occupations like nursing and other healthcare workers, teaching,
hospital Emergency Department staff, and psychiatric counselors
consistently have some of the highest incidents.

48. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.

49. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Murder is the number one cause of death for women killed on the job.

50. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Murder is the number one cause of death for women killed on the job.
And, as I said before, this is paled by the 13,000 rapes, 51,000 sexual
assaults, and about 35% of the 600,000 simple assaults that occur in
American workplaces every year in the U.S.

51. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Murder is the number one cause of death for women killed on the job.
And, as I said before, this is paled by the 13,000 rapes, 51,000 sexual
assaults, and about 35% of the 600,000 simple assaults that occur in
American workplaces every year in the U.S.
In other countries, like India, the Middle East, and the Far East, the
percentages for these types of attacks are even higher!

52. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Men may perpetrate more of the attacks involving the use of guns, but
women share the field almost equally when it comes to being the
attacker and the victim.

53. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Men may perpetrate more of the attacks involving the use of guns, but
women share the field almost equally when it comes to being the
attacker and the victim.
In addition, over 65% of all non-fatal workplace assaults occur in nursing
homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, and other social
service environments - places where women make up a vast majority of
the work force!

54. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women
shouldn't worry about it.
Men may perpetrate more of the attacks involving the use of guns, but
women share the field almost equally when it comes to being the
attacker and the victim.
In addition, over 65% of all non-fatal workplace assaults occur in nursing
homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, and other social
service environments - places where women make up a vast majority of
the work force!
But, with the total number of incidents occurring every day…
there’s plenty to go around for all other industries!

55. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #5: Security guards, and metal detectors will prevent
workplace violence.

56. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #5: Security guards, and metal detectors will prevent
workplace violence.
As a former police officer, I learned very quickly that security measures
can do little to stop a determined perpetrator of a crime. It doesn't matter
if we're talking about a burglar, a rapist, murderer, or even a terrorist - the
newest threat to workplace safety.

57. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #5: Security guards, and metal detectors will prevent
workplace violence.
As a former police officer, I learned very quickly that security measures
can do little to stop a determined perpetrator of a crime. It doesn't matter
if we're talking about a burglar, a rapist, murderer, or even a terrorist - the
newest threat to workplace safety.
In fact, security guards and detection devices can do little more than
cause an attacker to think more creatively.

58. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #5: Security guards, and metal detectors will prevent
workplace violence.
As a former police officer, I learned very quickly that security measures
can do little to stop a determined perpetrator of a crime. It doesn't matter
if we're talking about a burglar, a rapist, murderer, or even a terrorist - the
newest threat to workplace safety.
In fact, security guards and detection devices can do little more than
cause an attacker to think more creatively.
And, even if they do prevent the outsider from entering your
company, they can do little to stop current or former employ-
ees, friends, family, and visitors that would have both know-
ledge of your facility

59. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #5: Security guards, and metal detectors will prevent
workplace violence.
As a former police officer, I learned very quickly that security measures
can do little to stop a determined perpetrator of a crime. It doesn't matter
if we're talking about a burglar, a rapist, murderer, or even a terrorist - the
newest threat to workplace safety.
In fact, security guards and detection devices can do little more than
cause an attacker to think more creatively.
And, even if they do prevent the outsider from entering your
company, they can do little to stop current or former employ-
ees, friends, family, and visitors that would have both know-
ledge of your facility, and a reason to be there in the first place.

60. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.

61. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak to my share of human
resources managers, administrators, and executives about the need for
a workplace violence prevention plan and crisis response training
program in their facility.

62. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak to my share of human
resources managers, administrators, and executives about the need for
a workplace violence prevention plan and crisis response training
program in their facility.
In that time, one of the most disturbing comments that I've ever heard
was:

63. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak to my share of human
resources managers, administrators, and executives about the need for
a workplace violence prevention plan and crisis response training
program in their facility.
In that time, one of the most disturbing comments that I've ever heard
was: “That's what our attorney is for.”

64. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak to my share of human
resources managers, administrators, and executives about the need for
a workplace violence prevention plan and crisis response training
program in their facility.
In that time, one of the most disturbing comments that I've ever heard
was: “That's what our attorney is for.”
Not only can your attorney, or the police for that matter, "not“
take away the damage, injuries, death, and destruction that
can and does occur, but their fees will be the least of your
problems.

65. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.

66. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
The true cost of workplace violence incidents in the U.S. are estimated to
be between 550,000 and 2 million US dollars every year

67. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
The true cost of workplace violence incidents in the U.S. are estimated to
be between 550,000 and 2 million US dollars every year – per incident

68. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
The true cost of workplace violence incidents in the U.S. are estimated to
be between 550,000 and 2 million US dollars every year – per incident
Costs associated with your company's recovery in the post-event
aftermath include not only attorney's fees, but can also include:

69. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
The true cost of workplace violence incidents in the U.S. are estimated to
be between 550,000 and 2 million US dollars every year – per incident.
Costs associated with your company's recovery in the post-event
aftermath include not only attorney's fees, but can also include:
 Lost work time
 Employee turn-over
 The effects of negative press and public image
 Property repairs
 Increased insurance premiums, and…
 Fines or judgments entered in favor of any plaintiffs suing
you for liability.

70. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
To give you an idea about just one of these areas, OSHA reports that
American companies pay for over 1,700,000 sick days annually due to
lost time resulting directly from violence in the workplace.

71. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
To give you an idea about just one of these areas, OSHA reports that
American companies pay for over 1,700,000 sick days annually due to
lost time resulting directly from violence in the workplace.
Add to this the hundreds-of-thousands or millions in legal fees,
settlement payments, and other burdens…

72. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #6: The only costs we'll have to worry about are attorney
fees.
To give you an idea about just one of these areas, OSHA reports that
American companies pay for over 1,700,000 sick days annually due to
lost time resulting directly from violence in the workplace.
Add to this the hundreds-of-thousands or millions in legal fees,
settlement payments, and other burdens…
…in many cases, the financial strain resulting from just one
incident has put more than a few companies out of business
for good.

73. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent workplace
violence because there are no warning signs.

74. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent workplace
violence because there are no warning signs.
Reports show that in 80% of all incidents of workplace violence, the
assailant gave warning signs that went unheeded.

75. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent workplace
violence because there are no warning signs.
Reports show that in 80% of all incidents of workplace violence, the
assailant gave warning signs that went unheeded.
In all of the programs that I teach, regardless of whether we're talking
about basic self-defense, street survival for law enforcement
professionals, or workplace violence prevention and defensive tactics,
"awareness" heads the list and is the easiest and most successful
means for surviving a workplace violence attack.

76. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent workplace
violence because there are no warning signs.
The reality is that managers and employees alike can learn to anticipate,
assess, and even manage the risk from internal causes by identifying,
monitoring, and addressing employees who exhibit high-risk behaviors
and characteristics before they can escalate into actual violence.

77. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent workplace
violence because there are no warning signs.
The reality is that managers and employees alike can learn to anticipate,
assess, and even manage the risk from internal causes by identifying,
monitoring, and addressing employees who exhibit high-risk behaviors
and characteristics before they can escalate into actual violence.
While not all situations can be prevented, and this is where a good, solid,
self-defense and attack avoidance program comes in, early awareness
and action can save property, lives, money, guilt and the
embarrassment which can arise out of knowing that action
"could" and "should" have been taken to prevent or mitigate
any damage that did occur as a result of an attack.

78. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.

79. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.
Most workers, managers, C-Level executives, and business owners
wrongly believe that they are covered completely by whatever insurance
coverage is in place to protect the company.

80. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.
Most workers, managers, C-Level executives, and business owners
wrongly believe that they are covered completely by whatever insurance
coverage is in place to protect the company.
When, in fact, supervisors, managers, and others in an authority or
leadership position can be held personally responsible and sued in civil
court for their actions or failure to act, as-well-as the conduct of others
over which they had authority.*
* This is a general statement garnered from experience and research, not
legal advice. Check with an attorney in your area for more clarity on this.

81. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.
And, while most companies carry some sort of liability coverage, you
may find that your insurance policy may have clauses that exclude
damages from certain types of actions.

82. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.
And, while most companies carry some sort of liability coverage, you
may find that your insurance policy may have clauses that exclude
damages from certain types of actions.
If you are in a State where “worker’s compensation” is voluntary (i.e.
Texas), you may find that you are open to even more.

83. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.
And, while most companies carry some sort of liability coverage, you
may find that your insurance policy may have clauses that exclude
damages from certain types of actions.
If you are in a State where “worker’s compensation” is voluntary (i.e.
Texas), you may find that you are open to even more.
Like hospitals, universities, and other open, "porous" entities, your
company can be left holding the proverbial "bag" in the case
of injuries, damages, or harm that comes to visitors, guests,
and family members caught in the cross-fire of an event but
who are not actually employees of your company.

84. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.

85. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
In light of all the evidence, most companies still do not have
workplace violence plans, policies, or training programs.

86. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
In light of all the evidence, most companies still do not have
workplace violence plans, policies, or training programs.
I have found that those who do, are still missing critical elements
from these plans and leaving themselves open to the same or
greater liability issues that their plans were supposed to eliminate
in the first place.

87. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
Prevention, administrative, and reporting are all important parts of
a good workplace violence plan.

88. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
Prevention, administrative, and reporting are all important parts of
a good workplace violence plan.
However, you must remember that a “Zero-Tolerance” statement,
“Banned-weapons-on-site” list, or slide presentation that an
employee takes as “training” in workplace violence…

89. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
…will not allow you to respond to, and protect yourself, your
company, and your people in the face of actual violence…

90. Myth vs. Reality
Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy in
place already, so we're safe.
…will not allow you to respond to, and protect yourself, your
company, and your people in the face of actual violence…
…the VERY thing your workplace violence plan is supposed to
cover!

91. REMEMBER…
 The nature of Violence is that
it’s RANDOM!
- You never know when it
will happen, where, or what
form it will take.
 You must take action
BEFORE your company’s
reputation, liability, or people
are damaged (or killed) by an
act of violence!

92. Additional Information
At WCI Consulting, we know that many companies recognize
the need to implement policies, systems, and training for
preventing, deterring, mitigating, and allowing for the
continuity of business should an act occur, but often don't
know where to begin.
That's why we're here. We specialize in tailoring your
company's workplace violence prevention, security, and
training programs to your most probable threat(s), and insure
that all pieces of the system are not only effective, but ALSO...

93. Additional Information
...Liability Conscious…

94. Additional Information
...Liability Conscious…
And designed to protect your company’s
reputation…

95. Additional Information
...Liability Conscious…
And designed to protect your company’s
reputation…
Before, During, and After an Incident!

96. Additional Information
To begin the process with a full company
security risk/threat assessment & policy review,
contact WCI Consulting:
By phone: +1 (570) 884-1119
By email: info@warrior-concepts-online.com
URL: attackproofmycompany.com