Workplace Violence and What to Do About It

Most people consider their place of work safe and free from violence.  No one really wants to think that when they leave for work they will have to confront verbal abuse, threats, or deal with physical assaults and homicide. However, workplace violence is a growing problem and concern for both employers and employees nationwide.

In fact, according to OSHA, two million Americans are victims of workplace violence every year. People who work in certain professions also face an increased risk of violence. These professions include anyone who exchanges money with the public; delivers passengers, goods or services; people who work alone or in small groups; healthcare workers, social service workers, probation workers, gas and utility workers, phone and cable TV installers, letter carriers, and retail workers.

Employers need to consider workplace violence as having the potential of happening in their office or place of business, and also need to educate employees on how to handle such issues. For instance, the employer should establish a workplace violence prevention program, and ensure that all employees know the policy and have that policy within an employee handbook.

Some things the policy should contain is a policy to carry only a minimal amount of money, make drops into the safe often. Also avoid traveling alone and avoid unfamiliar locations and situations when possible.  Be sure to call the police after any violent incident, and keep a log book to document what happened.  

Employers should also have policies in place to secure the workplace to prevent and deter any potential violence by having surveillance cameras, extra lighting, alarm systems, security guards, identification badges and if possible electronic key cards for building access.

There are a great many more things to include in your policies and training but this should get you started. For more information on workplace violence be sure to visit:

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

And review the OSHA fact sheet  on workplace violence.

I have another article coming up shortly which confronts a specific workplace violence issue – The Active Shooter.

Wildfires in Russia Destroy Villages, Bases, and Possibly Weapons Depots

In the midst of a record heat wave, which has caused the deaths of approximately 700 people per day, and droughts causing a food crisis, Russia is battling a series of wildfires which have decimated entire villages and communities.  Though initial reports have denied that any military bases were in danger, the latest news is that at least one large base was destroyed, along with several aircraft and equipment at the base.

The fires have also threatened a number of nuclear facilities and research centers which are closed to foreigners and can only be accessed by special permits. Though officials are saying that the fires are now under control and the facilities are no longer in danger, unconfirmed and unofficial reports are that facilities that housed nuclear weapons, and possibly chemical and biological weapons have already been destroyed and radiation levels around Moscow are on the rise.

Officially, even though the facilities have been destroyed they are saying all nuclear materials and weapons were removed from the supply depot. Also, Russian official s are telling everyone to leave Moscow if they can due to increased risk of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.  One official, Onishchenko, is telling people "Those who can should take a break from work or away on vacation." Tens of thousands have left the city, including many high ranking Russian state officials.

Reports in Moscow of embassy closings are making headlines including a travel warning issued by the United States Department of State citing “hazardous air quality.” Local businesses have been hit hard since many employees are fleeing the city and JP Morgan Chase & Alfa Bank, Russia’s biggest private lender, canceled daily research reports as many of their workers have fled or opted to stay home.  Some 104,000 people left the city just yesterday alone.

The fire is likely to continue to burn for several months in some areas where peat bogs caught fire and can smolder for long periods until heavy rains return to the region. Villagers in some of these areas are complaining that they had to battle the fires themselves without help or fire trucks and outrage is growing where entire villages once considered a paradise have been completely burnt to the ground.

Video from RT

Another Video from RT

For more please view the references below.



Terrorists Attacked Japanese Oil Tanker In Strait of Hormuz

Traces of explosives were found on the hull of the tanker M. Star, ending a series of conflicting reports on what happened to the tanker. The report comes several days after al Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, which is the first attack in the Strait and leading to speculation of more to come.

The tanker was apparently struck with an explosive laden dinghy which ran into the side of the M. Star, which injured a crew member and causing a large dent in the side of the tanker. The blast also shattered windows, ripped off deck railings and blew a lifeboat off the ship.

No oil appeared to be leaking but the Strait of Hormuz is a transit point for about 40% of oil shipped by tankers worldwide. No shipments have been disrupted due to the incident, but the attack will likely lead to more attempts and could easily disrupt future oil shipments. Currently about 17 million barrels per day pass through the Striat of Hormuz.

Russia Bans Grain Exports Till End of Year

Russia has announced a ban on grain exports starting August 15 running through December 1, 2010 (some reports state December 31) after their worst drought in fifty years. In addition it canceled a shipment of 45,000 tons to the Philippines.

Source: Henrik Thorn/Flickr

Though Russia is expected to meet food demands inside their country, the cost of grains is expected to increase significantly, with wheat up 75 percent since July. The Ban includes all grains including, wheat, corn, barley, rye, and flour.

The reason for this being such a big deal is that Russia has emerged as a major exporter (the third largest) of grain in the last few years.

Though the situation is not as bad as it was in 2008 when there was a global food shortage due to crops failing worldwide, it does have a major impact on countries who rely on the exports such as Egypt. Egypt currently has a six month supply of grains, and expects to be able to handle the disruption.

The real problem will come if Russia should extend the ban into winter months, and other countries are unable to make up the difference or if additional shortages drives the price beyond reach of some of the poorer nations.

What Exactly Is Space Weather and Why You Should Care?

As noted in other recent posts space weather such as solar flares, solar storms and CME's (Coronal Mass Ejections) can have a large impact on our planet, or business operations and daily lives. 

Though space weather can have a big impact, most people are unaware of what it is, or the damage that can occur from it. It is important enough that space weather is monitored 24 hours a day, every day.

Here is a video from NASA explaining a bit about what space weather is and the impact its affects can have.

Here is actual video of the recent fast moving solar flare with CME:

 See the following other post on this topic:

Coronal Mass Ejection May Cause Disruptions, Being Called Solar Tsunami by Some

Sun Spots, Solar Flares, and Geomagnetic Induced Currents Can Disrupt Your Business