What are the signs of a potential critical incident in the workplace?

Signs of a potential critical incident in the workplace include sudden changes in behavior, increased absenteeism, excessive complaints or conflicts, decreased productivity, and expressions of hopelessness or despair. Additionally, a significant event such as a natural disaster, accident, or act of violence may indicate a critical incident. Pay attention to employee distress signals, rumors, or unusual occurrences, and take proactive steps to address potential issues and provide support.

I have over 30 years of emergency management experience. Understanding a critical incident goes well beyond the type or severity of the event. It's about understanding the long lasting impact it has on individuals who directly experience or witness it. These incidents have the power to take over our normal coping mechanisms, giving rise to emotions like fear, helplessness, or horror. From my own encounters, critical incidents cross a wide spectrum, including fires, explosions, chemical spills, robberies, assaults, hostage situations, fatal or serious injuries or illnesses, suicides or homicides, and even terrorist attacks or mass shootings.

I agree an armed robbery at a bank during opening will change your perspective It's important as a person who is involved with security to know every person who walks in and out of your building A strong security presence along with a friendly rapport with nearly all who come and go can help you to mentally isolate the very small group of customers who you might consider that could possibly cause trouble or need to be detained

In my experience, people's reactions to a critical incident are different for everyone, shaped by factors like the nature and intensity of the event, personal history, characteristics, and the presence of support. Most responses include a range of physical symptoms like headaches or nausea, emotional symptoms like shock or guilt, cognitive symptoms including confusion or memory loss, and behavioral symptoms like irritability or withdrawal. These reactions are generally considered normal and tend to diminish over a few days or weeks. However, in certain cases, individuals may develop more severe or persistent issues, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders. Addressing these conditions often requires professional help and treatment.

A critical incident in my workplace would be an armed robbery or an active shooter scenario. I prepare myself daily to make sure to the very best of my ability that I am prepared in case such incidents were to transpire I know exactly what to do,immediately notify local police that an armed robbery is occurring giving a description of the bank robber vehicle and direction of flight and any other pertinent information,then immediately call the security operations and command center for the financial center I'm assigned to ,they can see on the cameras what's happening while the police are on the way Finally from a safe area notify my captain that we've had a robbery he notifies our Protective Services Manager who begins his investigation

In my experience, identifying a potential critical incident in the workplace involves recognizing any situation that jeopardizes the safety, health, or well-being of employees, customers, or property. Indicators of a potential critical incident may include unusual or suspicious activities, emergency alarms or sirens, unusual smells, smoke, or sounds indicating a fire or explosion, and the visible presence of injuries, illnesses, or fatalities. If you observe any of these signs, it's crucial to adhere to your organization's instructions and procedures, promptly reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities. Moreover, maintaining a calm and alert demeanor is essential while assisting those in need.

Once I was visiting a bank where a recent robbery attempt was made. I was in the break area monitoring the cameras and the teller whom the robber handed the note to came in and when I asked her what happened she said He came in and it was so busy He handed me the note ,and I looked around and desperately tried to make eye contact with one of the other girls but everyone was so involved in what they were doing that no one noticed me. It was then she handed the note back to the robber and walked away The robber got spooked and left I was so proud she didn't give him any money however the tellers are told to give the robber whatever with the goal of getting them OUT OF THE BANK in case they have a gun and cops will get them up the road