EYE ON THE PROFESSION

A CLOSER LOOK AT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE PARK AND RECREATION PROFESSION

William J. M. Wald, CPRP IPRA Chief Executive Officer

Parks, recreation facilities and forest preserves always have appeared to be havens of tranquility when compared to the frenetic ambiance of other institutions. It's easy to understand why our agencies are perceived as such bucolic workplaces. We're surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping, giggling kids, card-playing seniors, high-spirited teens and moms shouting warnings at rambunctious youngsters in the kiddy pool.

It's a placid picture and, for many of us, one that won't change. Yet, according to a Gallup Poll study commissioned by the Marlin Company in New Haven, Connecticut, many U.S. businesses are using the old, "pretend it's not there and it will go away" philosophy. They're gambling with their own lives— and those of their employees— by turning a blind eye to warning signs of violence in the workplace.

Here's the reality. Nearly 10 percent of all workers queried in the above-mentioned study say they have seen and reported an assault or violent act at their places of business. Of all respondents, 70 percent claim they don't even know how to recognize the signs of violence. Further, they reported they wouldn't know what action to take, even if they did encounter it.

Do the majority of your coworkers feel the same way? Do stories of theft, stalking or physical harm make it through the grapevine but not the staff meeting? Given the unpredictability of workplace violence, it's a good idea to consider the topic now, should it ever happen to you or the people who work alongside you.

First up, do you know what your agency is doing to protect you from routine sorts of violence, harassment and danger? Is employee safety a top priority for your board or has the topic been ignored? Does your agency go beyond government requirements in the name of morale and liability? If they have, such actions are usually outlined in your employee handbook or policy manual. Ask your human resources person whether information on the topic appears in your employee handbook.

Often, the time to protect yourself is when you first interview for a job. It's not bad manners to ask whether a violence prevention policy is part of the agency's benefit package. Dental insurance is great, but survival insurance—in the form of a plan to short-circuit the potential for danger—is better. Making a decision about signing on where you feel safest is a mature and practical way to think.

If you are concerned about this subject, perhaps you should become a catalyst for change. Suggest implementing a visitor check-in procedure if it's not already in place. Visitors roaming hallways unaccompanied— especially during weekend or evening hours—are potential threats to possessions and safety. If you work late, verify safety measures for securing doors and windows and don't be hesitant to have someone accompany you to your transportation.

Use common sense by stowing away valuables during work hours. Purses, personal digital assistants, the jewelry you removed while attempting to dislodge a piece of paper from the printer, cell phones and more take just an instant to disappear. Better yet, lock up everything but a few bucks in your car and keep that cash in a pocket on your person.

Sadly, many instances of workplace violence have

8 Illinois Parks and Recreation

nothing to do with material possessions. Instances of stalking, phone and e-mail harassment can spill over from one's personal life, endangering not just the victim but people around them. Report any type of threat to coworkers, supervisors and law enforcement agencies to cover all bases and don't be embarrassed about being the victim of such aggression. If you or someone you work with has domestic issues that spill over into the workplace, you owe it to yourself and everyone around you to seek a resolution.

At IPRA, we are especially sensitive to the issue of workplace violence. Our Safety Manual includes every aspect of prevention and situational control possible. Select staff members have attended training sessions put on by the Crisis Prevention Institute, and a healthy number of our Therapeutic Recreation Section members have undergone extensive study in this area. Our close affiliation with PDRMA (the Park District Risk Management Agency) keeps us at the forefront of new research.

We're always on the lookout for updated information to help IPRA members and this subject is no exception. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact anyone at the association for referrals, feedback or if you just need someone to listen. •

July/August 2002 9