02/07/2025
Workplace Safety: Why Active Shooter Training Should Be Mandatory
The Harsh Reality of Workplace Violence
Every organization, regardless of industry, is vulnerable to workplace violence. In today's world, active threat incidents are no longer rare occurrences—they are real, unpredictable, and often devastating. To top it off, it doesn't even have to involve a gun anymore!
Consider These Facts:
70% of active shooter incidents occur in workplaces.
Only 52% of businesses have an emergency response plan.
In an active shooter event, the first few seconds determine survival.
Yet, despite these statistics, many businesses still believe "it won’t happen here." We even have a video highlighting that. You can see that here:
This mindset needs to and has to change.
The Problem: Lack of Preparation
Many companies assume fire drills and basic security measures are enough to protect their employees. But active shooter situations demand a different level of preparedness.
When chaos erupts, employees don’t have time to think—they must react instantly. Without training, panic sets in, and bad decisions cost lives.
I’ve seen the aftermath of incidents where people were unprepared. Survivors often say, “I didn’t know what to do.” That’s a failure—not on their part, but on the organizations that failed to prepare them.
The Solution: A Culture of Safety
Workplace safety is not just about policies—it’s about culture. Every company should:
Train Employees to React Effectively
Develop and Regularly Update Emergency Plans
Empower Leadership and Security Teams
One of the things we hear over and over again, is "we dont allow violence in our culture". But our answer is always the same. What if someone from outside your culture brings Violence into it?
Why Training is Not Optional—It’s an Ethical Obligation
As a leader in workplace safety, my responsibility is to advocate for proactive protection, not reactive regret.
Businesses train employees in fire safety, first aid, and cybersecurity—yet active shooter preparedness is often overlooked. Why?
Some leaders fear causing panic. (Reality: Training reduces panic.)
They think it’s too expensive. (Reality: The cost of inaction is far greater.)
They assume law enforcement will handle it. (Reality: Police response time averages 3-5 minutes. The first response is YOU.)
WHEN SECONDS COUNT, HELP IS MINUTES AWAY!
What Businesses Must Do—Right Now
Assess Your Current Safety Plan
Schedule Workplace Training Immediately
Commit to a Culture of Preparedness
Final Thought: Safety is an Investment, Not an Expense
I’ve spent over two decades in public safety, emergency response, and risk mitigation. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this:
“Preparedness saves lives. Hesitation costs them.”
Every employer has a duty to protect their people. The question is: Will you take action before it’s too late?
Let’s work together to make active shooter training mandatory in every workplace.
🚨 Book a free workplace safety consultation today with us today. email us at Info@responsereadytactical.com or call us at (724) 771-0220.
