workplace violence articles

workplace violence news

Call Us Today - Toll Free at 1-800-221-9788
Click Here to View News Articles from The Work Advisor
Click Here to contact The Work Advisor
Click Here to view Our Services Listing
Main IndexClick Here to select our Solutions IndexClick Here for On-Line LearningClick Here To Make An Inquiry

Dedicated to Helping You At Work

CURRENT NEWS

 
Return To News Index
 

 

Go To Archived Articles 

 

 

 
 

theworkadvisor.com
1-519-433-2999
work@theworkadvisor

 

 

" 6 DEAD IN MISSISSIPPI FACTORY SHOOTING "  
July 9 2003 - Meridian Mississippi


14 employees were shot by a co-worker, killing 5, before turning a gun on himself.  The rampage at the plant’s assembly line began just after an employees’ meeting on workplace ethics and respect.    The perpetrator walked out of the meeting.  He returned from his car shortly after with a shotgun and a .223 semi-automatic rifle.   He was dressed in a black T-shirt and camouflage pants with extra ammunition in his pants and in a bandoleer around his shoulder.   He sprayed the room with shotgun blasts, killing two, and continued his rampage on the factory floor.   Some victims were white and some were black.  While motive was not initially determined, co-workers said he had undergone anger counseling and was frustrated because he thought blacks had an advantage in society.   He felt he had been passed over for promotions and kept score on whoever he thought was offending him.  Co-workers later said the shooter was mad at the world; a hothead who spoke of killing.     He had run-ins with management and fellow workers and felt mistreated.  

 

 

 

 

ANALYSIS

Problem employees, through their behaviour and performance, frequently give off warning signs of the potential for future irregularities.  Threats must always be taken seriously and may be a criminal matter.  Supervisors and managers, trained in violence prevention measures, can often spot escalation warning signs and anticipate eventualities.    Although we cannot anticipate every eventuality, experience shows that early intervention and consequences ensures accountability for irregular or illegal acts and can demotivate thereby reducing the threat level an individual may pose.    As a primary responsibility, all employees need to understand the company’s expectations toward performance issues and behaviour. The tools and support mechanisms a company has in place for dealing with issues are crucial in dealing effectively with irregular acts.  Accountability needs to be consistent with the act or level of irregularity.   A properly investigated incident will provide the information on which company officials can make informed decisions.  The lack of an effective strategy can result in confusion,  over or under reaction to a situation and the perception of injustice.   Human relations and personal interaction problems are always a challenge but the tools to be successful are available in today’s environment.   Each situation must be analyzed and addressed in a fashion that is best for its unique circumstances.   Avoidance of difficult issues is never a viable alternative.