Security NewswireSecurity Leadership and Management

Workplace Violence Focus of General Session at ASIS 2011

Violence in the workplace continues to make news headlines and is a growing concern to security, human resources, and management across all industries. Threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, and homicide in the workplace affect two million American workers annually. A panel of leading experts will examine the issues and the latest information on assessment, prevention and mitigation of this growing threat at ASIS 2011 on Thursday, September 22, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

“Workplace violence is a critical issue that can impact any workplace, at any time. Organizations in every industry need to be prepared to ensure the safety of their employees. A comprehensive workplace violence plan is essential for awareness, prevention and response, and requires a collaborative effort involving executive leadership, human resources, and security,” says Ron Rabena, division president, Allied Barton and member, ASIS Law Enforcement Liaison Council (LELC).

The use of the Internet as a means to promote violence through the delivery of threats, as well as the implications and impact of social media are evolving factors in workplace violence that also needs to be understood. Mike Knoke, vice chairman, ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines, says “Workplace violence is a reality that we must manage. Organizations should address this behavior at the intimidation, bullying, or shouting stage and not wait until it escalates into a physical confrontation. Recognizing these early warning signs, whether they originate over the Internet, a social network site or in person is something that every organization must address.”

ASIS 2011 will take place September 19-22, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For complete information on more than 180 education sessions and 700+ exhibiting manufacturers, service providers and product experts, visit www.asis2011.org.