The Somerville Journal, April 2, 2010

Somerville — Clyde Howard is accused of fatally shooting his co-worker Maurice Ricketts outside their place of employment at Baystate Pool Supplies in Cambridge. According to authorities, the shooting followed an angry verbal confrontation between the two co-workers two months before the shooting.

Following several instances of workplace violence that have led to deaths, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone is speaking to businesses throughout the county on workplace violence prevention.

“Most of us think of our workplace as a home away from home, but there have been several serious and fatal workplace violence incidents throughout the county in recent months,” Leone said. “One thing that we have learned from such incidents is the importance of prevention efforts and having policies and plans in place should such situations arise. By setting specific policies, developing and implementing plans and training staff, businesses can take critical steps towards protecting their co-workers. Everyone deserves a safe environment to work in, day-in and day-out.”

The initial program was held yesterday at Cambridge’s Draper Laboratory for law enforcement personnel, and security and business executives of companies interested in taking a proactive stance on the issue including Draper Laboratory, the event host.

DA Leone, former Commissioner of the Governor’s taskforce on workplace and domestic violence Jean Haertl and members of the DA’s office addressed the issue of workplace violence in response to escalating reports of such incidents throughout the nation.

Cases cited included the Cambridge incident; Michael McDermott, charged with seven counts of first degree murder after he walked into his place of work at Edgewater Technology Inc. in Wakefield shooting and killing seven co-workers the day after Christmas in 2000; and Stephen Caruso was charged with first degree murder for the death of Sandy Berfield in 2000. Caruso mailed a pipe bomb to Sandy’s apartment with the return address from her sister. The pipe bomb ignited as Sandy opened the package and she was killed instantly. This tragic event helped create the legislation for Sandy’s Law.

During the program, Leone offered specific policies and rules of conduct that businesses can put in place, at minimal or no cost to those organizations, to better protect themselves and minimize the risk of a workplace violent incident.

The following is advice offered by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to businesses:

How can an employer prevent workplace violence?

It is important to remember there is no specific behavioral profile when it comes to workplace violence, but it is easy to educate your employees on ways to protect themselves.

• Set a no-tolerance policy towards workplace violence and prevention program and communicating the policy and program to employees.
• Train employees in preventative measures.
• Empower employees by encouraging them to call the police if they witness violence in the workplace.
• Employers should seek advice and assistance from outside resources when necessary.

The District Attorney also stressed to the audience that there is no specific trend or certain profiling to be aware of when it comes to workplace violence.  In hard economic times like these, there can be an increase in workplace violence.  Financial strain, unease about providing for a family and concerns about being laid off can add extra stress to people.  The District Attorney’s Office provides resources to employers to help them create and maintain workplace violence prevention plans. For more information on how to hold a similar program in your place of business, please contact Marian Ryan at 781-897-8313.