A Hospital, A Place of Healing Turned Deadly—How can we try to prevent this?

ASAA Is Here to Help: Build Your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan with Confidence

Effective July 1, 2024, California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553) LEGALLY MANDATES the majority of employers in the state establish, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP with the auspices of curbing Work Place Violence. 

Governor Newsom has empowered Cal/OSHA to inspect businesses open to the PUBLIC and insure compliance with creating the detailed Work Place Violence (WVPP) Preparation Plan Cal/OSHA is conducting unannounced inspections to verify that businesses have implemented the legally compliant Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). During these visits, inspectors assess employee participation in required training, as well as the organization’s efforts to maintain and update the plan through ongoing amendments and improvements.

However, there are certain locations which are exempt from SB 553:

• Hospitals
• Law enforcement facilities
• 1st responders, Fire, Paramedics etc.

We recently experienced as reported by the news of a misfortunate incident at Henry Ford Hospital located in Detroit, Michigan. The suspect (husband) being the spouse of a hospital worker, armed himself with a pistol, entered the hospital and was able to access the basement (restricted area) where she worked. A verbal altercation ensued and she was subsequently shot and killed while at work. This is a classic case of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE which had become heated with rage and vengeance. She was pronounced dead at scene as he was observed on camera leaving in his vehicle and later arrested. The victim had a valid restraining order which had yet to be served on her spouse. There was nothing to prevent this person from committing additional injury or death to other innocent bystanders on his way out of the location.

While Michigan may not be subject to California’s SB 553, the key takeaway remains universal: never assume any location is completely secure. Unexpected incidents can occur anywhere, and preparedness is essential regardless of jurisdiction. In summary, be aware that no assigned security is fool-proof. Even with an “EXEMPT” status and possible workplace violence plans which may be in place, complacency is at risk.

Remember: “NO PLAN equals PLAN TO FAIL”. Always be aware of your surroundings by looking and listening.

Active Shooter Assessment Assurance can assist in proactive, preventative and provisional measures to give better chances of survival. ASAA is here to help you build that plan. Let’s move from uncertainty to action—together.
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424 239-9435

www.ActiveShooterAssessment.com

NO PLAN  –  PLAN TO FAIL

Active Shooter Assessment and Assurance, ASAA, can assess, establish and implement an effective plan to meet your custom and specific requirements outlined under the new California law for workplace violence prevention. We serve the greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, El Segungo, South Bay, West Los Angeles, Los Angeles Valley, East Los Angeles and all of California.