Training institute offers workplace violence prevention tips

The National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence this week released a list of 10 key lessons learned from workplace violence incidents in the 21st century.

The Lake Forest, CA-based institute, which provides research, training and consulting on violence prevention, cited recent shootings at Virginia Tech, CNN, Kraft Foods and Fort Hood, among other places.

Lessons include:

• Invest in prevention. Preparation costs less than recovering from an incident.
• Increase employee awareness of reporting procedures.
• Perform thorough background and reference checks to detect potential problems with future employees.
• Train all employees in life preservation tactics. Include first responders to enhance their understanding of the workplace, if possible.