Webinar Series Offered to Address the Increased Risk of Workplace Violence

    RALEIGH, NC, January 20, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It was during TallGrass Distribution's Christmas party when Eric Kirkpatrick walked into the offices where he was just laid off the previous day. That is where at least a dozen former co-workers saw him shoot and kill Benjamin Banky, the CEO of a natural health products company. Perhaps the saddest part is that similar cases are likely to erupt, making workplace violence the leading concern of security directors.

In the downtown of the economy, the risk of violence rises across every industry. Everyday, there are headlines repeating the story of another company laying off employees and cutting production. This, in turn, endangers the community service workers who face a growing and more desperate client population. Increased financial pressures can also affect personal lives, resulting in substance abuse, aggravating mental health issues and the escalation of domestic violence, all of which spills over into the workplace. Essentially, the risk factors that lead to workplace violence are multiplying exponentially.

In service to the business community, Peace at Work, a non-profit dedicated to violence prevention in and through the workplace, is offers a series of free, live, online web presentations to increase awareness of potential dangers, discuss a broad overview workplace interventions and provide additional resources to help attendees develop effective prevention programs.

A wide range of situations will be explored and addressed: When a fired employee storms out, promising revenge, how long should you maintain the heightened security? What are the liability concerns of an employer whose driver uses the company truck to stalk his ex-girlfriend? How have younger assailants broadcasted their homicidal intention through social networking sites?

Schedule of Webinars (all broadcasts on Thursdays at 2:30 PM EST)

Domestic Abusers in the Workplace - January 29th
Safe Terminations and Lay-offs - February 5th
Threat Assessment Basics - February 19th
Online Threats in Assessment - March 12th
Robbery Survival - March 26th
When Ex-employees Return Months Later - April 9th

One of the first webinars focuses on surviving safe terminations and lay offs. Procedures will focus on respect for the individual while maintaining security for the employer. Setting up the meeting, communicating the news and removal of the personnel will be outlined as well as list of warning signs that may indicate an intention to commit violence.

More information and registration for these free events is available at
www.peaceatwork.org/webinars

All attendees will receive a 10% discount on the ePanic Button, a revolutionary software program that summons support with tap of the mouse, keyboard or foot.

About Peace at Work
Peace at Work is a non-profit dedicated to violence prevention, in and through, the workplace. Johnny Lee, the founder and director, is the author of Addressing Domestic Violence at Work and was previously the Workplace Violence Specialist for the NC Office of State Personnel, the Training Director of PREVENT, UNC-Injury Prevention Research Center and the Victims Services Coordinator for the Asheville Police Department. Programs have been provided for organizations such as the NC Industrial Commission, ASSE, NC Safety Council, Society of Human Resource Managers and ASIS.

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