More locals are taking advantage of the workplace violence prevention training sessions that are being offered by the UFCW’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Office.
In August, OSH Office Director Roy McAllister presented a plenary session on workplace violence prevention to over 75 attendees at the Region 2 Education Conference in Kiawah Island, S.C. This session focused on the following:
- The risks of workplace violence in the retail setting.
- Types of workplace violence.
- Ways to prevent workplace violence.
- Components of a workplace violence prevention program.
The attendees were encouraged to develop an action plan that involves management working with the union to create a workplace violence prevention program. As part of the action plan, Workplace Safety Committees should highlight the connection between safety and bargaining. The union can also implement bargaining language in their contracts for workplace safety as it relates to workplace violence. In addition to the plenary session, McAllister also held an Active Assailant Training during the conference, which focused on helping members to recognize, respond to, and defend themselves when confronted by active attack events.
The Active Assailant Training was also part of UFCW Local 99’s Stewards Conference in Phoenix in September. There were approximately 300 attendees at the conference, many of whom attended the training session.
“It is sad that we have to be trained on these topics, but it is necessary to keep our members informed and safe,” said one of the stewards.
In addition to the Active Assailant Training, the OSH Office also offers a Workplace Violence and Security Training and an Active Violence Emergency Response Training. If your local is interested in coordinating a workplace violence prevention training with the OSH Office team, contact OSH Office Director Roy McAllister at rmcallister@ufcw.org.