The bank robber, Willie Sutton, famously said when asked why he robbed banks, “that’s where the money was.” And thus the headlines in the local papers recently have been reporting dutifully that the banks are indeed where the robbers are going. Five this year. Notably five in the last 40 days. Really notably 2 yesterday.
There’ll be the usual platititudes, and in John Nickerson’s article there is, “It reflects a trend statewide and nationwide” Sgt. David O’Conner said to Nickerson.
And it is. With gas prices higher, prices of food higher and wages stagnant, the economics can predict that crimes of robbery and burglaries will spike. Its not just banks but convenience stores and gas stations that are vulnerable to robberies. There are things employers can do to curb robberies, from OSHA :
The recommendations have five key elements to an effective violence prevention program:
(1) management commitment and employee involvement; (2) worksite analysis; (3) hazard prevention and control; (4) training and education; and (5) evaluation.
OSHA Administrator Charles N. Jeffress said, “Our recommendations are not a new standard or regulation nor a substitute for any current standards. They are tools that we hope will raise the awareness of employers and provide them with the information they need to help protect their employees.”
Jeffress outlined some of the report’s objectives. The first objective is to prevent violence, which begins with management commitment and employee involvement. All violent and threatening incidents should be taken seriously and that management should develop a plan for workplace security, working with police and other public safety agencies to improve physical security.
Worksite analysis includes identifying risk factors common in retail establishments, such as contact with the public, money exchange and working alone or in small numbers or in high-crime areas. Such analysis should also include a review of past incidents, a workplace security review and a periodic safety audits.
Hazard prevention and control includes using adequate lighting, installing video surveillance cameras, drop safes and physical barriers. It is also recommended that businesses limit areas of customer access, increase staff levels at night, establish emergency communications procedures and implement standard operating procedures for both management and employees to follow in the aftermath of a violent incident.
Training and educating all employees, supervisors and security personnel to ensure awareness of potential security hazards and the procedures for protecting themselves and co-workers.
An evaluation is the final recommendation, for employers to develop a process that helps them assess risk factors, evaluate methods of hazard control, and identify training needs. This process should include record keeping, incident reports, police recommendations and notes of safety meetings.
