safetyintheworkplace

Taking Care of YOU:

Personal Safety in the Workplace

by Noelle Erling, 2^nd Degree Black Belt

I work for a very large company that has a campus in Minneapolis where around 5000 people work each day. There are two parking ramps with six levels per ramp. It's like a city in and of itself! People come and go all hours of the day and night, seven days a week. Although great safety policies are in place, it's still possible for bad things to happen. So it's up to every woman to watch out for her own safety. Here are my tips on keeping safer in the workplace.

On the Workplace grounds or walking to car or bus

Keep your head up. Be aware of your surroundings. Look confident (intimidate an attacker with your posture!)

Keep your keys in your hand. You should not have to fumble around in your bag once you get to your car. This can leave you vulnerable. Also your keys can be used as a weapon, if needed.

Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. Get into your car quickly; lock your car as soon as you get in (before you buckle your seat belt) and leave right away. Sitting in your car can leave you vulnerable.

Check the floor and front and back seats before getting in.

Do not put yourself at risk. Park close to a door. Leave or move your car while it's still light out.

Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask a security guard to escort you (that is why they are there!).

Keep your cell ready to make an emergency call. Know where the emergency call button is on your phone. You do not have to dial 911 as most phones are programmed for an emergency call. Make sure your phone is always set up to track your location. This is also a setting on most phones and does have an on/off option.

Report poorly lighted (lights out) parking lots.

Know your surroundings and park near an emergency panic button or surveillance cameras.

Don't choose stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors. Don't use the stairs alone.

During the work day

Always let someone know where you'll be -- whether it's coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room, or going out to lunch or to a meeting.

Don't use stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors. Don't use the stairs alone.

Report poorly lighted (lights out) corridors.

Elevators -- Don't get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner.

If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.

Avoid restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted. Attackers can hide in stalls and corners.

Report anyone who you suspect carries a weapon to work. (People do!)

Report anyone who sends threatening or strange emails or messages to co-workers, or makes unsettling comments.

Report sexual harassers or others who make you feel uncomfortable in the workplace. Trust your instincts.

Good article on College Campus Crime Prevention
http://www.usa-people-search.com/content-college-campus-crime-statistics.aspx

About the Author

Noelle Erling is a 2nd degree black belt, an interior designer, and and a financial professional. She is a contributor to the eBook Outsmarting the Bad Guys: A Personal Safety Guide for Women by Susan Martinez.

2nd_degree_3 noelle

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OUTSMARTING THE BAD GUYS:
A Personal Safety Guide for Women
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