Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Overview

Introduction to the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan July 1, 2024

Purpose The Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) is a new safety plan developed by the Ventura Unified School District to prevent and address threats of violence and violence at Ventura Unified sites. The purpose is to help keep employees safe from violence while at work by providing a reporting system for employees to report threats or concerning behaviors, hazard assessments for sites, training for staff on prevention and response to violence. The full plan is available for review, the basics are included in this short training.

Definitions Emergency - Unanticipated circumstances that can be life threatening or pose a risk of significant injuries to employees or other persons Engineering controls - An aspect of the built space or a device that removes a hazard from the workplace or creates a barrier between the employee and the hazard. VUSD Office Site Administrative buildings and offices, education services buildings and offices, operations buildings and offices, maintenance facilities, transportation facilities, other meeting locations. Threat assessment Team - a group of officials that convene to identify, evaluate, and address threats or potential threats to school security. 3

Definitions continued Threat of violence - Any verbal or written statement, including, but not limited to, texts, electronic messages, social media messages, or other online posts, or any behavioral or physical conduct, that conveys an intent, or that is reasonably perceived to convey an intent, to cause physical harm or to place someone in fear of physical harm, and that serves no legitimate purpose. Workplace violence includes, but is not limited to, the following: The threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury. An incident involving a threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects such as weapons, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury Workplace violence does not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others Work practice controls - Procedures and rules which are used to effectively reduce workplace violence hazards. 4

The following four workplace violence types: Type 1 violence - Workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches employees with the intent to commit a crime. Type 2 violence - Workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors. Type 3 violence - Workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager. Type 4 violence - Workplace violence committed in the workplace by a person who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee. As defined by Labor Code Section 6401.9 5

Responsibilities for the Plan All Employees have a responsibility to understand the plan and their role in keeping work sites safe. Director, Risk Management will implement and maintain the plan. With employee involvement they will update the plan as necessary, ensure assessments of sites are completed, that reporting procedures have been established and that investigations of hazards, threats and incidents are investigated. Those in a supervisory role are responsible for implementing the WVPP in their work areas and answering questions from employees. 6

Employee Involvement Employees as noted above have a responsibility to understand the program and their role. Employees also have the opportunity to play a larger role in the WVPP. Employees may be involved in the Safety Committee or a Threat Assessment Team If you would like to be involved in the WVPP, please contact your supervisor or WVPP Administrator. Employees are encouraged to submit workplace violence suggestions to the WVPP Administrator. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns of violence that may impact a district site. All employees shall support and comply with the provisions of the WVPP 7

Communication with Employees All employees should communicate workplace violence hazards or threats without fear or reprisal. Communications should be made to an employee s supervisor, human resources, or the WVPP Administrator. Communications on plan updates, hazard identification or corrections shall be communicated to employees through the following systems. New employee orientation including a discussion of the provisions of our WVPP. Training programs Regularly scheduled safety meetings that address security issues and potential workplace violence hazards Posted or distributed safety information Employees will not be prevented from accessing their mobile or other communication devices to seek emergency assistance 8

Incident Reporting Procedure If you or any coworker is threatened with or experience violence you must report it. Using the We Tip on-line reporting application, or Completing a written form found on the VUSD website and submitting the report to an employee s supervisor or manager, who will inform the WVPP administrator. Board Policy and Administrative Regulation prohibit any retaliation for reporting of threat of violence or workplace violence incidents. 9

Hazard Identification and Evaluation Periodic inspections to identify and evaluate hazards in our schools sites will be performed. The following locations at a site will be inspected. Site perimeter and grounds Administration and Offices Athletic Facilities Multipurpose Rooms/Theaters/Auditoriums Classrooms Food Service/Child Nutrition Maintenance Transportation Warehouse 10

Hazard Correction Hazards identified through reports, inspections or assessments will be reviewed and corrected as necessary through engineering controls, work practices, and/or personal protective equipment. Corrective actions will be documented and dated by the WVPP Administrator. 11

Emergency Response Procedures In the event of violence at a campus or site, employees should follow their emergency training and the procedures listed in the VUSD Emergency Operations Plan and Emergency Flip Charts If a Lockdown is called, follow prompts from administration and utilize the 3 Outs Lock Out Get Out Take Out 12

Post-Incident Response and Investigation The Response and Investigation procedures will be used after a violent incident or imminent threat. Visit the scene of an incident as soon as safe and practicable Interview involved parties, such as employees, witnesses, law enforcement that responded, and/or security personnel. Review security footage of existing security cameras if applicable. Examine the workplace for security risk factors associated with the incident, including any previous reports of inappropriate behavior by the perpetrator. Determine the cause of the incident. Take corrective action to prevent similar incidents from occurring, as outlined in Section 9. Record the findings and ensuring corrective actions are taken. Obtain any reports completed by law enforcement. 13

Training and Instruction Training will be provided: When the WVPP is first established To all new employees upon hire Whenever VUSD makes significant changes to the plan Periodically, to refresh employees understanding of threats and appropriate responses 14

Conclusion The WVPP has been developed to control or minimize threats to employee safety. Employees are encouraged to participate in the continued improvement of the WVPP. Employees are encouraged to report threats or acts of violence. 15

Acknowledgement By completing this training, you acknowledge that you have read the training and understand its contents. If you have further questions, please contact your supervisor or the Director, Risk Management, who is the designated WVPP Administrator. 16

Thank you