Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Monday that she has directed the state Department of Public Works (DPW) to complete and distribute by September 1 an updated version of the state’s procedures for avoiding workplace violence – a revision that was already under way before last week’s tragic shootings in Manchester.
The 50-page Violence in the Workplace Policy and Procedures manual – which covers prevention measures, ways to recognize potentially troubled individuals before an incident happens and steps to take in the event of an attack in the workplace – was last updated in 2007. The latest version of the manual will include updated information on how agencies can refine their individual plans for responding to active threats and guidance on the resources available from the state Department of Public Safety.
The updated manual will also provide newer guidance for agencies on dealing with media inquiries and helping employees deal with the after-effects of a workplace violence incident.
“The heartbreaking and startling tragedy in Manchester is a stark reminder that we must do everything we can to forestall these kinds of violent outbursts,” Governor Rell said. “Employers and co-workers alike must be aware of the warning signs when someone is reaching a breaking point. And all must be prepared to react – calmly but swiftly – in the event that an attack actually takes place.
“In the years since the 1998 shootings at the state Lottery headquarters and the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001, Connecticut state government has made a concerted effort to improve security at all of its buildings,” the Governor said. “Yet – like all public institutions – we must balance those security interests with our responsibility to be open and accessible to the people we serve. The policies and procedures outlined in the DPW manual are essential to meeting those two goals.”
The current version of the state manual can be located on the DPW website at http://www.ct.gov/dpw/lib/dpw/WPVManualLinked.doc.
