Until the last few years, the workplace was relatively free from hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior. Then on August 20, 1986, in Edmond, Oklahoma, a postal worker shot and killed 13 co-workers. This was unlike any previous incident of workplace hostility or violence, yet before long, it was clear that it was the beginning of a frightening trend. Today, it is imperative for all managers to realize that they must be prepared to deal effectively with the threat of violence at work. And, contrary to popular belief, violence almost never occurs without warning. You simply need to know what to watch for and how to intervene.

This series of courses will help you as a manager understand and plan for acts of hostility, aggression, and violence, whether the danger comes from an employee, a family member, or an intruder. The first course introduces the problem, explaining reasons behind the explosion of violent incidents at work and the scope of the problem. Then you'll learn about the psychology behind violence, breaking it into three stages. The third course focuses on the warning signs of potentially explosive situations and appropriate interventions, followed by a course that helps you make your own company a safer place through good hiring practices and violence-prevention policies.