Evaluating Safe Working Conditions
Directions: Read each scenario and answer the following
questions.
- Workplace Violence
Sam is a
security officer for ABC Corporation in the Phoenix area. He is always stationed at the
security desk in the main lobby to greet employees and visitors. One day he
observed an employee from the finance department muttering something under his
breath and acting strangely as he walked by the security desk. He noticed this same
behavior the following day. On the third day, there was a shooting in the
finance department. The director of finance and her administrative assistant were
shot and killed by the employee exhibiting strange behavior; the employee committed
suicide prior to the arrival of the police.
What should Sam have
done prior to the incident? Should the security officer have notified anyone
about the employee’s strange behavior? What company policies do you think should
be in place regarding situations similar to this? Explain your answer.
- Sexual Harassment
Harriet is a new
security officer working in the Foxwoods Mall. She has been working in this
capacity for the past three months. She patrols the mall on the 3 – 11 p.m.
shift and watches out for the safety of the patrons. Ralph, a 40-year-old
divorced male, is her supervisor. Ralph has been working mall security for five
years and expects a promotion in a few months. Ralph has approached Harriet on
several occasions in the security break room. At one point, he complimented her
figure. On another occasion, he asked her what she was doing after work.
Harriet feels this is unwanted contact between the supervisor and herself.
What should
Harriet do? Do you think these contacts constitute sexual harassment? What
policies and procedures should this company have in place regarding this type
of situation? Explain your answer.
- Drug Use and Abuse
James is a five
year supervisory security officer with World Wide Security Network, which
provides contract security for a large automotive plant in the metropolitan
area. Their motto is “Safety is our business.” Due to his experience, James believes
a subordinate but seasoned security officer is exhibiting signs of drug use.
The security officer has increased absenteeism, often seems tired and
unfocused, and his work does not meet minimum security standards for the
company. James has spoken to his subordinate on several occasions but his
performance has not improved. World Wide Security Network does not currently
test its employees for drug use.
James believes
his security officer is abusing drugs. Do you think his suspicions are
reasonable under the circumstances? What should James do? Do you think drug
testing, especially of security personnel, should be required? Explain your
answer.
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