DANGERRecognizing the Warning Signs of a Potentially Dangerous

Situation When Dealing with Aggressive IndividualsWe all work in an environment that we feel is safe and productive but do we know how to identify a potentially dangerous situation when dealing with an aggressive individual that disrupts our routine, procedures or deviates from our daily work flow? This flyer is design to help identify the:

Characteristics of an aggressive individual The risk factors involved What to do when in a potentially hazardous situation

Characteristics of an Aggressive IndividualAggression: overt or suppressed hostility, either innate or resulting from continued frustration and directed outward or against oneself.

Everyone has a bad day now and then but that does not give them the right to take advantage of anyone or cause a hostile work environment and could be caused by many factors. These are some ways that could be identified as aggression:

Pushing the limits of acceptable conduct Temper tantrums Disrespect for authority Faulty decision making Testing boundaries Swearing, emotional, repetitive language or verbal abuse Handles criticism poorly Distraction or lack of focus Making inappropriate statements or comments Blaming others Continued lack of understanding when given direction Sudden or unpredictable levels of energy

Physical CharacteristicsBody language says a lot about a person’s intention so take caution if someone is exhibiting one or more of these “signs”:

Flushed or pale face Excessive or unreasonable sweating Pacing, restless or repetitive movements Trembling or shaking Clenched jaws or fists Exaggerated or violent gestures Change in speech: voice, volume or tone Shallow or rapid breathing Scowling, sneering, glaring or avoiding eye contact Violating personal space

Risk Factors associated with the types of incidents include:

DANGER Heightened employee anxiety Inability to perform tasks Effects productivity Morale issues Potential damage to personnel or property Loss of life.

What should I do?

We all have different ways in dealing with adverse situations but the most important thing to remember is to NOT allow yourself to be a victim. We are all professionals and we should expect that those we do business with also act professionally. If you find yourself dealing with an aggressive individual, please take the following steps into consideration:

Remain calm: This is one of the most important things when dealing with any situation. It will allow you to make the appropriate decisions as you de-escalate the situation.

Breathe: It is well documented that controlled breathing in stressful situations enables the individual to overcome anxiety and make better decisions.

Keep your distance: Make sure to establish a boundary between you and the aggressive individual by directing them to stay in a specific location or keeping an object between you like a desk, boxes, cart, or anything that isolates or would prevent the individual from reaching you.

Make the call: You should never engage or provoke an individual. If you find yourself threatened you should notify your Supervisor or Security immediately.

Do not try to handle the situation on your own.

CALL SECURITY IMMEDIATELY

Security should always be notified of ANY hostile individual on our property and they have policies and procedures in place that would help in these types of situations.

Emergency Call Numbers