Workplace violence testimony given by Army Cpt. Katie Ann Blanchard. Video Production by AMEDD Television.
Video content:
Blanchard:
Every day I look in the mirror I am painfully reminded that a senseless act of workplace violence might have been prevented.
We all deserve a safe work environment. But violence in the workplace is more frequent than you may know. Workplace violence is any act of physical violence which includes threats, harassment or anything that causes you to fear for your personal safety. It can be inflicted by employees, supervisors, coworkers, family members or even a stranger.
Workplace violence is one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. While there is no sure way to predict human behavior, there are a number of ways to ensure a safe workplace, like recognizing potentially violent behavior and understanding your courses of action if you feel threatened. You have just as much responsibility as supervisors and senior leaders to ensure a safe working environment. The best prevention is identifying and addressing possible problems early.
My story began when I became supervisor to a civil service employee who showed many signs of potential violence… deteriorating job performance, poor relationships with coworkers and customers, refusing to accept criticism of his performance, refusing to comply with rules, outbursts of rage, swearing…odd behavior that caused people to avoid him, refuse to work with him and in fact, his workspace was isolated so he didn’t work around anyone else. When he communicated to others he avoided eye contact, he frequently seemed angry and irritated.
The first time he reacted violently toward me, I was counseling him about his lack of performance…alone, with him in his office. He became enraged and shouted at me. I left and reported the incident to my supervisor. When my supervisor confronted him, he denied everything. I pursued disciplinary action but it took months for the paperwork process. Meanwhile, I continued to try to hold him accountable for his work performance. For my own safety, I always had someone else in the room during counseling. I was genuinely afraid of him and everyone knew it.
This individual intimidated and harassed me. At one point he repeated several times, “You are the problem” and refused to leave my office when directed. My workplace became an environment where verbal abuse and disrespectful behavior were tolerated.
Two weeks before the fateful day my life would change forever, my attacker’s whole demeanor abruptly switched. He became upbeat, smiling, jovial…behavior totally out of character. The sudden change of behavior was another typical warning sign of workplace violence.
On September 7, the workday was drawing to a close and the hallways had grown quiet. Most everyone had left for the day but I noticed my attacker lingered longer than usual at work. A coworker accompanied me when I told him he needed to leave. He agreed and I went back to my office. I texted my husband I would be leaving the office shortly. Suddenly, my attacker appeared in my doorway and without a word, approached my desk and emptied the contents of a bottle on me. Everything happened so quickly. I could smell the toxic scent of benzene all around me as he lit a match.
I owe my life to three people who still happened to be at work that day. Deanna Killian, Adele Ganacias and SFC Dahlen reacted with incredible heroism. Without thought for their own safety, they put out the fire on my body, prevented my attacker from fatally stabbing me with the scissors he slashed across my face and throat, and finally managed to subdue him.
I was in a coma for some time and awakened to learn I had sustained third and fourth degree burns to 20 percent of my upper body. My family, including my husband, three small children, my parents and siblings are an amazing support system for me as I continue to recover from multiple surgeries and painful rehabilitation.
They say hindsight is 20/20, but in this situation, all the clues were glaringly there. I attribute that to a general lack of knowledge about what behaviors we need to be watching for and how to appropriately respond to workplace violence situations. Make sure there is a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program in your organization and effective security measures are in place. Supervisors and Managers are responsible for coordinating with human resources, security, employee assistance program and the office of the general counsel to deal immediately with threatening or potentially violent situations that occur.
While I live with the constant reminder of the tragedy of workplace violence, I cannot turn back the hands of time. I can only hope that my story will serve to create a healthier, more productive workplace environment and spare others physical and emotional pain.
