|
|
|
|
 | ||
| ||
 | Blindsided is the authoritative guide to crisis management. This "how to" handbook gives essential advice that every manager needs to know when a crisis hits. Written by CMI Founder/CEO Bruce Blythe, it's a fascinating, easy-to-read guide that draws on Blythe's 20+ years of experience as a pioneer in crisis management.  | |
Bioterrorism: How Can Your Company Be Prepared?
Until biological weapons became a topic at America's breakfast table, the thought of the destruction of an entire city or community on US soil seemed almost unimaginable. However, according to the Center for Disease Control, approximately seventeen countries may have active research and development programs for biological weapons. With access to deadly chemicals and low production costs, the threat of bioterrorism and large-scale destruction becomes imaginable.
In addition to the larger scale threats of bioterrorism, there are also concerns for targeted uses. As we witnessed in the months following the 9/11 attacks, the use of anthrax, in both real attacks killing five, as well as hoaxes, which disrupted the country and frightened millions.
So, as just one company—what can you do to mitigate the threat of bioterrorism?
While the government is stockpiling drugs, vaccines and other medical supplies, your organization should be prepared in accordance with your industry's standards. Industry standards are emerging and vary from industry to industry. At a minimum, sectors that have been targeted in the past (such as media, manufacturing, chemical, energy, government, etc.) should have response protocols in place.
There are two benefits to having a response protocol to a real or perceived bioterrorist threat. The first benefit is to reduce the number of impacted or injured employees. The second benefit is a perception of safety by your employee by reassuring them that the company is taking the necessary precautions.
Company first responders, who may be trained security or other company personnel, should be informed of the company's biohazard containment protocol.
These responders will need tools to be immediately available, such as a biohazard containment case. (See inset for suggested contents)
There are various issues to for your crisis team to consider, but one suggestion is to prepare handouts for your employees on the facts of specific anticipated biochemicals.
Keep in mind your employees will need information. They will likely be highly emotionally traumatized in the case of a biochemical attack.
Before you allow employees to go home, gather them in a safe place for a de-escalation meeting. During this meeting you should:
Unfortunately, prevention of bioterrorist attacks is largely out of the hands of the average American company. However, there is still time to establish firewalls to minimize the effects of exposure and to make your organization a less attractive target.
The time to respond is now, before the next critical incident hits.
The contents of a biohazard containment case can include items such as:
This biohazard containment case should be placed in a wheeled container and be available for immediate access.
CMI Newsletter
Fall 2002
by Pamela Porter, Director of Response Services & Angie Tennyson, Assistant Editor
CMI Continues to Expand the Globe
by Grace Burley, Marketing Director
CMI is excited to announce the success of our operations into England, Scotland and Ecuador. CMI's network of mental health professionals is now operational in these countries, and we will continue to strengthen our capabilities with simulated crisis drills and continued training efforts.
Exploratory developments are also underway in China, Kazakhstan, Germany and Australia. CMI has begun identifying professionals, translating materials and conducting cultural studies in preparation for expansion. Training sessions are now in the planning stages for these countries.
Preparing Your Workforce to Handle Violence
By Angie Tennyson, Assistant Editor
If a hostile stranger entered your office as you read this article--would you know what to do? What about your workforce who may be more exposed to threatening individuals in their typical workday--are they prepared?
For many employees in America, encountering a threatening situation would be extremely rare. For others, dealing with angry customers or threatening fellow employees is a routine occurrence.
Hostility and violence in the workplace has become common news in our society. In the United States, workplace violence is the third leading cause of death on the job. It is the number one cause for women.
If your workforce deals with anger or violence on a regular basis, it is up you as the manager, to provide training and intervention to promote a safer workplace.
There are many resources for hostility management or workplace violence training sessions. Many of these sessions combine physical self-defense with verbal methods for defusing individuals.
Understanding the mindset of a potentially violent individual can assist greatly in controlling these volatile situations.
For more information, please contact CMI at 800.274.7470.
CMI to Participate in Crisis Communication Planning and Management Workshop
CMI has joined Hill & Knowlton, Kroll and the Center for Risk Management to participate in crisis planning workshops in cities across the nation.
Each of the four companies presenting at the workshop share their vast experience and expertise with the participants.
These two-day workshops use simulated exercises to test your crisis management plans or help you draft a new one.
The workshops are organized by Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc. and will take place in the following cities:
New York: June 3-4
Washington, DC: June 13-14
Atlanta: June 20-21
Dallas: July 11-12
San Francisco: July 18-19
Chicago: July 25-26
For more information or to register for the workshop: call 800.878.5331, e-mail orders@ragan.com or visit www.raganinstitute.com.
