Workplace violence is an unfortunate reality, and active shooter incidents are among the most unpredictable and high-risk threats businesses face. Workplaces of all kinds—from offices and retail stores to healthcare facilities and schools—must be prepared to respond effectively in the event of an attack. The best way to ensure employee safety is through a combination of training and drills.
In this post, we will:
By understanding the importance of active shooter preparedness, employers can equip their teams with the knowledge and confidence to react quickly and effectively if the unthinkable happens.
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Active shooter incidents can unfold in seconds, leaving employees with little time to react. According to the FBI, nearly 80% of active shooter events occur in workplace settings, making preparedness a critical part of a business’s safety strategy.
Currently, OSHA does not have a specific requirement mandating active shooter training, under the General Duty Clause employers are responsible for providing a workplace free of recognized hazards, which includes planning for workplace violence and emergency response.
While active shooter training provides employees with knowledge on recognizing threats and responding effectively, active shooter drills put that training into practice, helping employees rehearse their responses in a controlled environment.
Both active shooter training and drills are essential, but they serve different purposes:
Together, these elements help ensure that employees are mentally and physically prepared should an incident occur. Now let’s dive into the details.
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A well-structured active shooter training program equips employees with the knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively.
Comprehensive training should include:
Employees should be trained to identify behavioral red flags, such as verbal threats, increased aggression, social withdrawal, or fixation on weapons or violent events.
Training should reinforce the Department of Homeland Security's guidance:
Employees should understand how to respond to workplace emergency alerts, when to contact law enforcement, and how to provide accurate information to authorities.
In some cases, employees may need to provide basic first aid before emergency responders arrive. Training should include how to apply a tourniquet or control bleeding in a mass casualty event.
Training should be reinforced through regular active shooter drills to help employees apply what they’ve learned in a controlled environment.
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Employers should follow a structured approach when implementing active shooter drills to maximize effectiveness:
Before conducting active shooter drills, your company needs a well-thought-out plan. Consider potential threats, evacuation routes and communication methods, as well as unique factors specific to your business.
Here are five musts for your active shooter response plan:
Identify vulnerabilities within your workplace by evaluating access points, surveillance systems, and emergency exit routes.
Educate employees on behavioral warning signs and encourage them to report suspicious activity without fear of retaliation.
Develop a multichannel, two-way emergency communication system to quickly notify employees, law enforcement and first responders.
Map out clear evacuation routes and designated shelter areas within the workplace to guide employees to safety during an emergency.
Use an automated system to issue updates, confirm employee safety and provide post-incident instructions.
Inform employees about upcoming drills and provide clear instructions to prevent panic.
Employers should implement different types of drills to reinforce active shooter preparedness. The best approach depends on the workplace setting and the desired training outcomes. Common active shooter drill types include:
Employees practice securing rooms, barricading doors, and remaining silent. This drill is essential for office settings, schools, and healthcare facilities where evacuation may not be feasible.
Designed to simulate employees quickly fleeing to designated safe zones using emergency exits. These drills are particularly useful for open office spaces, retail environments, and large workplaces where fast exits are possible.
Managers and response teams walk through a hypothetical active shooter scenario, discussing their decision-making process. This type of drill is ideal for leadership teams and HR personnel to refine emergency plans.
A highly realistic drill involving law enforcement, emergency personnel and employees acting out an active shooter scenario. This is the most advanced form of drill and helps test coordination between internal teams and external responders.
Simulate different scenarios, ensuring employees practice "Run, Hide, Fight" responses as appropriate.
After each active shooter drill, businesses should:
Revise emergency procedures based on lessons learned from the drill.
At Axcet HR Solutions, we help businesses develop and implement comprehensive active shooter training and drill programs as part of our comprehensive PEO services for small and mid-sized businesses across the country.
Our safety consultancy and risk management services include:
🔹 Custom-tailored active shooter training and drills to meet your workplace needs
🔹 Emergency action plan development to strengthen preparedness
🔹 Guidance on workplace safety policies and compliance with OSHA standards
Don’t wait until a crisis happens—prepare your employees now.
📞 Schedule a consultation with Axcet HR Solutions today to learn how we can help safeguard your workplace.
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