Part 4
Introduction:
In today's world, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees has become a paramount concern for organizations. While workplace emergencies can take various forms, the threat of an active shooter situation poses a particularly alarming and devastating risk. It is crucial for companies to prioritize the implementation of safe shelters within office spaces to protect their employees during such incidents.
The following first-hand account vividly illustrates the urgent need for secure shelter options within workplaces and highlights the potential consequences of inadequate safety measures.
“This is starting from the end because I didn’t know I was in an active shooter situation until it was almost at the end.
I was on one of the four unit located on the first floor. I was in the hallway when a transporter entered the unit asking if we had heard the announcement of a code used when there was an emergency. No one had heard anything because the overhead intercom wasn’t working (this was corrected after the incident). The unit secretary called the operator and was told to contact Security. She called Security and was told there was a man with a gun in the corridor down the hall from the unit. She came down the hall, looking for the charge nurse and asked those in the hallway to start closing the patient rooms doors. I was asked to assist with blocking the outer doors. This was when I realized the unit doors were unlocked (also corrected) and opened out into the hallway. This meant there was no way to secure or block the unit doors. The charge nurse and I put tables and anything we could move into the hallway. The charge nurse and I were at the door when we saw police men in the hallway outside the unit. She suggested we go into the clean utility room which had a large window but could be locked. About this time, one of the Security officers came to the unit to inform us the shooter had been caught and the “All-Clear” was being given.
I returned to my desk in the basement of the building where the doors were locked and secured…from the inside.”
-Nurse Dionne L.
In this 5-part Blog Series, Shellter analysts take apart the situation as it unfolds, providing unparalleled analysis and key takeaways that could save YOUR life.
To See Part 1 – Click Here
To see Part 2 – Click Here
To see Part 3 – Click Here
Lets jump right in;
The Relief of Timely Intervention:
"She suggested we go into the clean utility room which had a large window but could be locked."
The testimony takes a turn for the better as the charge nurse suggests seeking refuge in a clean utility room. While the room had a large window, it had the crucial ability to be locked, providing a level of security and assurance. Fortunately, this action was unnecessary as the shooter was apprehended and an "All-Clear" was given. However, the relief experienced was only temporary, as the absence of safe shelters across the entire office space remains a significant concern.
Action Items:
1. Assess and identify safe refuge areas: Conduct a thorough assessment of the office space to identify potential safe refuge areas. Consider rooms with reinforced doors which can lock, have minimal windows, and have communication capabilities (good cell phone service).
2. Install secure locks and access controls: Ensure that all identified safe refuge areas are equipped with high-quality locks and access control systems. These measures will enable employees to secure the rooms quickly and effectively during an emergency. Regularly test and maintain these locking mechanisms to ensure their functionality.
3. Provide clear signage and instructions: Install clear signage throughout the office space, directing employees to designated safe refuge areas. Display emergency procedures and instructions on how to access and secure these areas prominently. Ensure that all employees are familiar with the location and use of these safe refuge areas.
4. Educate employees on safe refuge protocols: Conduct training sessions to educate employees on the importance of safe refuge protocols. Teach them how to quickly identify safe areas, lock doors securely, and utilize available resources for self-protection and communication. Reinforce the significance of following established procedures during emergencies.
5. Regularly test safe refuge areas: Conduct drills and exercises to simulate emergency situations and test the effectiveness of the identified safe refuge areas. Evaluate the response time, access to communication channels, and the overall suitability of these spaces. Use these opportunities to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
6. Collaborate with building management or landlords: Engage in discussions with building management or landlords to ensure the availability of safe refuge areas throughout the entire office space. Advocate for the inclusion of secure shelter spaces as part of building infrastructure plans. Emphasize the importance of employee safety and work towards implementing appropriate modifications.
Conclusion
By implementing these action items, organizations can improve the availability of safe refuge areas, ensuring that employees have secure spaces to seek shelter during active shooter situations or other emergencies. Remember, the timely intervention provided by a secure refuge can make a significant difference in protecting lives and mitigating employer liability.
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