Today's Tip
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Assess your company's history of traumatic events. If there was a critical incident in the past, how was it handled? Inform yourself about what worked and, more importantly, what did not!
Know your company's demographics. Are you in an area vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes or hurricanes? Are your employees exposed to the public?
Make sure your company has appropriate plans in place to address the specifics of workplace trauma.
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Critical Incidents at Work
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November/2008 |
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Dear ,
Welcome to Trauma Talk's third issue!
In the previous issue of Trauma Talk we addressed the anguish surrounding grief and loss. What we will focus on this month is the fact that trauma can occur outside of our personal lives--in the workplace, for instance--and have a major impact as well. Indeed, all are fully aware of the everyday stress involved in the general operation of a 9-to-5, but most ignore the possibility of a traumatic incident occurring while they are at work.
In some lines of work the danger is obvious. For example, working as a police officer, firefighter, or security/prison guard has the word "risk" spelled into its very nature. However, those of us who work from the comfort of an office, home or other seemingly "safe" place of business often forget the potential of a traumatic event taking place regardless of the job or location. Such events include an earthquake, robbery, act of violence by a co-worker or outsider, and so on.
Job security should involve more than working to keep your job, but also include making it safe to do your job. Read the article and tip we have written, take a look at the extra resources we have recommended, and try to have others in your workplace do the same. The more aware and involved your company is in preparing for critical incidents the better off you and your co-workers will be--so you can spend your workday being productive, prepared and safe.
Take care,
Vanessa & Wilma
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Are you aware that a critical incident in the workplace can strike at any time?
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 If your company has not already experienced a crisis or critical incident in the workplace, odds are that within three years--it will. It is only a matter of time before your workplace is impacted by an event outside of your control and it is of utmost importance that your company takes measures to prepare.
A critical incident is a traumatic event that causes severe emotional shock and may have long-lasting psychological effects--to say nothing of the physical harm it may incur. When a critical incident strikes, the trauma can adversely affect your workforce, slowing or even shutting down productivity. Anyone can be a victim.
Though your company cannot completely eliminate all likelihood of a traumatic event, your company should be doing everything in its power to ensure your workplace is as safe as possible. Heightened security, well-lit exteriors and careful pre-employment screening are essential to a safe workplace. Additionally, a strictly-enforced policy of zero tolerance of violent acts is vital to eradicating internal incidents of violence.
Further examples of critical incidents include: accidents, suicide, burglary, layoffs, mergers, takeovers, epidemics and acts of terrorism. Every company is vulnerable to these possibilities.
In the case of a natural disaster, preparation is key. Having a team of employees trained and prepared to execute evacuation procedures, keeping employees informed and updated, and contacting the appropriate authorities and outside help is crucial to ensuring your company can handle and recover from any critical incident.
Also, do not forget the importance of taking care of yourself emotionally and psychologically after experiencing a traumatic event. Your company should make post-incident psychological care available to all employees. Do not be afraid to seek the guidance or support of trauma specialists.
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Thank you for your continued support for Trauma Outreach Associates. It is our hope that you have found the information presented in this newsletter interesting and useful.
If there are any topics you would like to see featured in a future article of Trauma Talk, please do not hesitate to let us know and we will do our best to address them. We appreciate your comments, stories and thoughts as they will help us refine and enrich the newsletter in such a way to further benefit you.
In addition to our newsletter we will soon have a public forum where you can share your musings with other readers and us and/or respond to posts. It is our hope that this forum will provide an additional form of support for you in your workplace and daily life.
Until our next talk, stay healthy.
Warmly,
The Trauma Team
Trauma Outreach Associates, Inc.
Phone: 415.772.9999
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IN THE NEXT ISSUE...
Trauma at the Holidays.
Find out what you can do to prepare.
415.772.9999
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