1623: Workplace Safety and Violence Prevention with Jerry McCormick

Jerry McCormick explains how practical workplace safety training helps people recognize danger, avoid unnecessary confrontation, and respond calmly without living in fear. His research draws on interviews with more than 10,000 police officers about how they apply professional awareness while off duty. He argues that organizations should focus less on rare active shooter scenarios and more on everyday threats, clear procedures, and prevention. Simple actions include knowing how to lock doors, use a PA code, call 911, and identify evacuation locations. Teams should practice lockdown, announcement, and evacuation drills every quarter or six months in an engaging, nonthreatening way. Facility assessments should also examine nearby hazards, signage, cameras, access points, and employee observations that leaders may overlook. The most useful takeaway is to simplify safety, rehearse the basics, and leave trouble early whenever possible.