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Updates made to state’s workplace violence prevention manual
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Sep 6, 2010 - 9:11 AM

Governor M. Jodi Rell said today that human resources offices throughout state government will now be required to complete and submit checklists certifying that workplace violence complaints are being properly investigated.

The change – one of many – is part of an update to state’s 50-page Violence in the Workplace Policy and Procedures manual. Last month, Governor Rell directed the state Department of Public Works ( DPW) to expedite its revisions to the manual, a project that was already under way before the August 3 shootings at Hartford Distributors Inc. in Manchester. The manual was last updated in 2007.

“One month has passed since the tragic shootings in Manchester,” Governor Rell said. “That day provided all of us with a stark reminder: We must do everything we can to forestall acts of violence in the workplace. Employers and co-workers alike must know the warning signs when someone is reaching a breaking point. And we must all be prepared to react – calmly but swiftly – in the event that an attack actually takes place.

“We hope the updates we have made to the manual will not only give guidance to state agencies but will also help businesses and institutions across Connecticut prepare or update their own plans for preventing these kinds of tragedies,” the Governor said.

Changes to the manual include:

* Requiring human resources offices throughout state government to complete and submit an annual checklist to DPW certifying that a Threat Assessment Team has been established to handle workplace violence complaints and to ensure that all complaints are properly investigated.
* An updated list of danger signals indicating a potentially troubled individual may strike out and steps to take in the event of an attack in the workplace.
* Guidance for agencies on dealing with media inquiries after a workplace violence incident and recommendations for helping employees cope with the after-effects of an attack.

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