Acting to investigate workplace hazards and risks is the most critical action that an employer can take. Apart from minimizing the imminent danger, it conveys a strong message to employees that their safety and well-being are paramount.
Now, more than ever, employers are confronted with the question “Is this person potentially dangerous and if so … what should we do”. Contrary to what some may think, in the absence of a direct threat, there is no definitive way to predict violence in that personal and environmental factors can change. This lack of precision does not absolve an employer from taking reasonable steps to evaluate the circumstances and manage the possibilities. To do less, would be to expose employees to an avoidable hazard and the organization to unnecessary legal exposure.
Evaluating an individual’s potential dangerousness must be done with caution, making use of recognized threat assessment protocols. Arriving at a finding is only the first step; it should be followed by a clearly articulated management plan that considers a variety of scenarios and contingencies.
With over 40 years of clinical experience, coupled with advanced training in Threat Assessment and Management, Mr. French is routinely called upon by Canadian employers to evaluate, consult and strategize on a wide variety of workplace threats. Arriving at a timely assessment is critically important when faced with any workplace hazard. In many cases, Mr. French can respond within hours, quickly providing a detailed report with recommendations for further action.
In many cases, Human Resource and Occupational Health professionals find benefit in consulting Mr. French, before taking any decisive action. In these instances, Mr. French works closely with internal resources, including management, to carefully review concerns, from which to develop a risk abatement plan which includes follow-up.
Mr. French is a former Board Member of the Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (CATAP) and a member in good standing of the International Association of Bullying and Harassment, the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, the International Association of Forensic Linguists and the American Association of International Security (ASIS). He is trained in the use of the HRC-20, Mosaic and PCL-R assessment protocols, and is routinely invited to speak at conferences across Canada and the U.S. on issues relating to the evaluation of workplace violence.
Mr. French’s work has been showcased on the CBC (The National), CITY TV, CTV, Global Television. In the National Post, Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Maclean's Magazine and multiple print dailies across Canada, including coverage on radio and trade publications, including Public Safety Canada's Prevention Magazine (National Crime Prevention Centre).
“We understand the time that this requires and truly appreciate your willingness to come to Disaster Forum and share your experiences and expertise on Workplace Violence Measuring the Risk... Preparing for the Worst. Delegates come away from Disaster Forum conferences with new ideas and methods to better prepare their own organizations. Your contribution allowed them to do just that.”
Disaster Forum, Banff Alberta
“Mr. French attended our firm's Advanced Threat Assessment and Management Training. This event brought together professionals from several diverse fields to explore issues related to managing violently inclined situations and the fear that accompanies them. Representatives from State and Federal agencies, from industry, and from law enforcement addressed advanced strategies for managing these high-stakes challenges. We had several round-table discussions on very difficult cases (angry employees, stalkers, threats). Mr. French brought creativity, experience and innovation to our thinking on these topics. He represented your organization superbly and showed caring and caution in approaching these tough situations. You already know that he is a fine professional; I just wanted to say that our firm experienced it first-hand.”
Robert Martin (LAPD Threat Management Unit)
Gavin De Becker & Associates, California
"Thank you for the role played in making this conference an outstanding success. The panel discussion on a national prevention strategy for workplace violence in Canada was well received, and we appreciated the time you devoted to ensuring the overall success of the conference."