Prodefence USA

OSHA: Employer Liability

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

“The most effective way to train your staff to respond to an active shooter situation is to conduct mock active shooter training exercises”
*Active Shooter: How to Respond – US Department of Homeland Security

Active shooter assaults are now considered a “recognized hazard” as specified in OSHA’s regulations for Employers. Employers need to provide training for their employees in case of an active shooter event. Per 29 U.S. Code § 654.Duties of employers and employees

(a) Each employer—

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this chapter.

 

(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this chapter which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

 

In the aftermath of an attack, businesses face a host of negative impacts that go beyond injuries and loss of life.

  •  US Employers lose an average of $1.47 million daily in productivity, revenue, and costs required to recruit and train replacements for victims of gun violence. (https://everytownresearch.org/report/the-economic-cost-of-gun-violence/)
  •  Out-of-court settlements for lawsuits arising out of workplace violence average $500,000 per person.
  • Jury verdicts average about $3 million.
  • EX – Victims of the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007, shared a settlement of $11 million. (https://www.insurancejournal.com › news › national › 2008 › 06 › 20 › 91186.htm)
  • Employees can also sue, claiming the employer failed to provide a safe workplace. (FBI: A Study of Active Shooter Incidents in the United States Between 2000 and 2013)

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