Creating a safety plan is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of employees who may be experiencing domestic violence. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create both workplace and personal safety plans:

Workplace Safety Plan

1. Emergency Contact Information
   • Make emergency phone numbers readily available, such as local police, security, and domestic violence hotlines.
   • Ensure all employees know how to report concerns or threats.
2. Communication Procedures
   • Establish clear procedures for employees to report threats or incidents.
   • Create code words or signals that employees can use to discreetly alert others to potential danger.
3. Support Services
   • Provide access to counseling services and domestic violence hotlines.
   • Offer flexible work hours or remote work options for affected employees.

Personal Safety Plan

1. Safety at Work
   • Screen the employee’s calls to reduce harassment.
   • Provide the employee with a phone that has caller identification.
   • Arrange for an escort to and from the employee’s vehicle or public transit.
   • Relocate the employee’s workstation to a more secure area, if necessary.
2. Emergency Contacts
   • Obtain an emergency contact number other than the perpetrator’s.
   • Ensure the employee has a list of local domestic violence resources and hotlines.
3. Protection Orders
   • If the employee has a protection order, provide a copy to security and relevant staff.
   • Ensure that the perpetrator’s photo or physical description is available to those who need it.
      

Follow-Up and Review

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular follow-up meetings with the employee to reassess the situation and adjust the safety plan as needed.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and update the safety plans periodically to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

Creating a safety plan involves collaboration between the employer and the employee, and it should be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual.

Remote Work Safety Plan

Creating a safety plan for remote workers involves some unique considerations, but the goal remains the same: ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. Here’s how you can adapt a safety plan for remote work:

1. Emergency Contact Information
   • Ensure the employee has a list of emergency contacts, including local police, domestic violence hotlines, and trusted friends or family members.
   • Provide the employee with contact information for their manager.

2. Communication Procedures
   • Establish regular check-ins via phone or video calls to maintain communication and monitor the employee’s well-being.
   • Use code words or signals that the employee can use to discreetly indicate they are in danger.

3. Technology and Privacy
   • Ensure the employee’s devices are secure and that they know how to protect their online privacy (e.g., using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication).
   • Advise the employee to use a separate phone or email account for work-related communications if they are concerned about being monitored.

4. Support Services
   • Provide information about local domestic violence resources and hotlines.
   • Offer access to counseling services through the company’s employee assistance program.

5. Work Adjustments
   • Offer flexible work hours to accommodate the employee’s needs and appointments.
   • Allow the employee to work from a different location if they feel unsafe at home.

Follow-Up and Review

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular follow-up meetings to reassess the situation and adjust the safety plan as needed.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and update the safety plan periodically to ensure it remains effective and relevant.

Additional Tips for Remote Workers

• Safe Communication: Ensure the employee knows how to safely communicate with their employer without the abuser’s knowledge.
• Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan that includes steps the employee can take if they need to leave their home quickly.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and ensure that any information shared by the employee is kept private and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

Creating a safety plan for remote workers requires careful consideration of their unique circumstances and needs.