The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
The GMW IWB magazine holster with built-in neodymium magnets. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
Workplace safety is a top priority for management and one of the reason’s why is that employees who feel safe are more productive. Sadly, many employers fall short in this effort. While many companies have safety measures in place, there are still incidences of workplace violence. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 409 people were fatally injured in work-related attacks in 2014, representing 16% of the total 4,821 workplace deaths that year. Injury Facts 2016 reported that violence is the 3rd leading cause of death for healthcare workers and those working in professional and business services.
With that being said, many workers feel justified in the belief that they can’t just rely on safety measures imposed by management. Even with such policies in place, workers still need to have some way of defending themselves and that’s why some employees are trying to learn how to concealed carry at work. While concealed carrying at work may be prohibited by company regulations, in those workplaces that allow it, concealed carrying at work could help protect a worker from a would-be attacker.
Before you carry firearms at your place of work there are some things you need to consider. First of course, are you allowed to carry a weapon in the workplace? You’ll need to know if there is a concealed carry policy for employees being implemented in your office. You can’t just walk into your workplace carrying a handgun if it’s prohibited. Attempting to do so could get you into trouble or even lead to your termination. In light of recent incidents of violence in the workplace, you might be asking yourself…can employers prohibit concealed carry? In order to answer this question, let’s take a look at some legislation related to workplace concealed carry.
LAWS ON WORKPLACE CONCEALED CARRY
Employers have certainly faced a dilemma in considering how to concealed carry at work. Generally under state and local laws, it is management’s decision whether or not to permit guns in the workplace. If employers prohibit their employees from exercising their right to carry, they should notify their employees in clear, legible terms and not just hide them in some obscure paragraph in the employee handbook. Much like labor laws, which must be posted in conspicuous places, workplace regulations relating to firearms should be posted so that all employees know the rules.
When considering whether or not to permit workplace concealed carry, companies should recognize that all employees want to be protected from potential workplace dangers. In establishments like casinos, nightclubs, and concert venues, there is always a chance of violence and so it’s no surprise that employees of these establishments might feel that they need to carry firearms for self-defense.
Companies may allow concealed carrying at work by security personnel or other trained employees if they determine allowing these employees to carry firearms is necessary for the safety and security of workers. In some companies only the company president or his representatives may be authorized to carry or use a weapon. An employer’s prerogative to prohibit an employee’s right to bear arms is protected by the following laws:
OSHA General Duty Clause
The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires that employers ensure that employees are provided with a workplace that is free of recognized hazards to their safety and health. OSHA calls this an employer’s General Duty Clause. Under this provision, it is the job of employers to take steps to reduce risks of harm in cases where these risks are sufficient enough to be recognized hazards.
State tort laws may put employers at a disadvantage if they allow a concealed carry policy for employees. If an armed employee attacks a co-worker, could the company be liable for negligence? This will depend not only on the state in which the incident took place, but also on the efforts of the company to ensure the safety of the other employees. The company’s knowledge of an employee’s past may factor into this question of liability.
Duty and Civil Liability
“Duty and civil liability” is something to consider with regard to concealed carrying in the workplace. A recent incident in Kansas may help to explain the meaning and complexities of duty and civil liability. In this case several incidents of theft and kidnapping took place in a certain company’s parking lot. To remedy this the company decided to install security cameras and created an ad hoc security committee composed of employees. The plaintiff in this case was an employee who had previously served the company as an adviser on safety concerns related to domestic abuse. While leaving work, this former adviser was shot by an ex-boyfriend in the company’s parking lot. Suing the company for negligence, the ex-adviser won a $3.25 million verdict. Her argument was that at her workplace the employer assumed a duty to protect her.
The repercussions of allowing concealed carry based on duty and civil liability are clear. When workplace violence occurs and employees who are allowed to exercise their right to bear weapons fail to thwart the attack or their actions result in injury to another employee, the victim can use the principle of duty and civil liability as an argument in a lawsuit against their employer. Keep this in mind when considering concealed carrying in the workplace.
Guns in Trunks
So can employers prohibit concealed carry? In short, yes, it is their prerogative. However, the right of employees to practice their 2nd Amendment rights is also recognized by state laws. Guns in Trunks laws grant employees the right to store firearms in a locked personal vehicle in the company parking lot. About half of US states have such laws. Implementation varies by state, but such laws they generally require any firearm in question to be:
Lawfully possessed by the employee
Concealed from view
Locked in a personal vehicle (in the trunk or glove box)
While most states do not prohibit the carrying of firearms in the workplace, there are others that prohibit concealed carry in certain locations. For instance, if your business operates out of a leased building shared by other non-related entities, building management may prohibit the carrying of firearms. If you insist on carrying a weapon, you may be asked to disarm or leave if discovered doing so. Non-compliance could be considered an act of trespassing. In addition, in some states like Colorado, firearms are prohibited in public or private colleges, universities and seminaries without a specific permit. If you are wondering how to concealed carry at work, it’s important to know these laws.
Some employers provide lockers to their employees. You should check with your employer if you are allowed to store your weapon in your locker. You may also be allowed to concealed carry from the locker room to the parking lot.
Legal Implications
There are many legal implications associated with concealed carrying at work. However, before an employer gives workers permission to carry firearms, the employer should first consider reviewing any such policy with their liability insurer. An insurer may deem that such a policy would increase an employer’s liability risk and this could raise insurance rates or lead to a cancellation of policy.
In addition, you should take into consideration what effect a concealed carry policy for employees might have on compensation coverage. By allowing employees to carry a weapon, employer’s may be required to provide coverage for any claims that arise from employees being injured by a gun-related incident at work.
There are a few other things for employers to consider. For instance, employers should assess whether workplace violence will cause employees to miss work days or lose productivity. They should also consider whether a concealed carry policy will help in the event of an active shooter situation. Statements by law enforcement agencies have noted that a concealed carry policy may inhibit adequate response from law enforcement. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there is a danger that law enforcers may mistake a permit holder for the actual active shooter. Since, in an active shooter situation, chaos may ensue before the police arrive, the DHS suggests that employees remain calm and exercise one of three options, depending on the situation: Run, Hide, or Fight. These options are further explained below:
If there is an escape route, leave your belongings and get out.
If evacuation is not possible, find a hiding place where you won’t be trapped should the shooter find you, lock and blockade the door and put your phone in silent mode.
As a last resort, when your life is in imminent danger, try to incapacitate the shooter by throwing items, improvising weapons or yelling.
TIPS FOR ADDRESSING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
So again, can employers prohibit concealed carry? Yes. It is an important decision that every employer should give careful thought to. Workplace violence is an everyday occurrence. The security and safety of employees should always be first priority. Will allowing concealed carry prevent incidents or trigger them? Will it ensure the safety of employees? Lately, the number of workplace shootings has been increasing. What have you done to address the situation? Any policy on concealed carry should be integrated into a broader workplace violence policy. When addressing how to concealed carry at work, your policy should encompass the following:
Training employees
Implementing an emergency action plan
Conducting mock training exercises with local law enforcement
Adopting a zero-tolerance policy on workplace violence
Experts recommend that employers should implement a threefold approach in developing policies and practices for concealed carrying at work:
Preventing Workplace Violence – This should encompass acts of violence regardless of whether they result in physical injury or property damage.
Weapons in the Workplace – When creating a concealed carry policy for employees, it should explicitly state the parameters of what weapons will be allowed or prohibited at the workplace. Since state and local laws differ, multistate employees should have language in their policies that allows for nuance. You can include the statement “to the extent allowed by state and local law.”
Emergency Procedures – Update emergency procedures for natural disasters to include procedures for dealing with workplace violence. Consult with local law enforcement personnel. Check your emergency plan periodically during safety meetings and general workplace gatherings.
Know the Warning Signs
Not all people who commit acts of violence are mentally ill. Some of them do it for revenge, robbery, or because of ideology. While there is no way to predict an attack, it is possible to discern behaviors in your co-workers that could indicate future acts of violence. It is important to be alert for these warning signs:
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
Unexplained absenteeism, change in behavior, or decline in job performance
Depression, withdrawal, or suicidal comments
Resistance to changes at work or persistent complaining about unfair treatment
Violation of company policies
Emotional responses to criticism, mood swings
Paranoia
Consult a legal expert
If your business operates in states that allow concealed carry, it is best to consult a legal counsel for help in developing a policy that will minimize associated risks. You might take into consideration the following factors:
Substantiated reports of potential violence in your workplace
Whether your workplace is located in a high-crime area
Whether first responders are unable to respond to your workplace reasonably quickly
NO WEAPONS ALLOWED IN YOUR WORKPLACE, WHAT’S NEXT?
Employees may have different reasons for carrying firearms but the overwhelming reason is self-defense. Let’s say you have already been informed that firearms are not allowed in your workplace, what now? You may be able to store your firearm in your trunk under a Guns in Trunks law. There may also be other options for self-defense that you can consider.
Store Your Concealed Firearm Intelligently
If you have no other choice but to leave your concealed handgun in your car, make sure to keep it in a place that is not clearly visible. The key to pulling this off is to “THINK LIKE A THIEF.” Pretend that you have locked your keys in your car…how would a thief try to get in? Where would they search? Many thieves, once entering your vehicle, will check for items in the center console, in the glove box, underneath the seats or in the pockets behind the seats. Consider a locked gun safe for this situation. This way, even if a thief breaks into your car they will not be able to get their hands on your firearm.
Walk in Groups
If you’re not armed, walk, think about walking with a co-worker who is. This will give you some protection from a sudden threat. Parking lots have been the scenes of many assaults and robberies. You’ll have some backup if you walk with a friend.
Consider Non-Lethal Alternatives
If pepper sprays or other self-defense items are legal in your jurisdiction, consider carrying these alternatives when you are unarmed. They may save you from a threat or buy you time until you can get to your car or find help. Make sure to check with your employer to find out what is legal to carry.
Chances are your company will not be allowing you to carry firearms. If you are worried about safety, it is worth it to try to work it out with management. Hopefully these tips will help you become effective in how to concealed carry at work.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
How to Concealed Carry at Work
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Workplace safety is a top priority for management and one of the reason’s why is that employees who feel safe are more productive. Sadly, many employers fall short in this effort. While many companies have safety measures in place, there are still incidences of workplace violence. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 409 people were fatally injured in work-related attacks in 2014, representing 16% of the total 4,821 workplace deaths that year. Injury Facts 2016 reported that violence is the 3rd leading cause of death for healthcare workers and those working in professional and business services.
With that being said, many workers feel justified in the belief that they can’t just rely on safety measures imposed by management. Even with such policies in place, workers still need to have some way of defending themselves and that’s why some employees are trying to learn how to concealed carry at work. While concealed carrying at work may be prohibited by company regulations, in those workplaces that allow it, concealed carrying at work could help protect a worker from a would-be attacker.
Before you carry firearms at your place of work there are some things you need to consider. First of course, are you allowed to carry a weapon in the workplace? You’ll need to know if there is a concealed carry policy for employees being implemented in your office. You can’t just walk into your workplace carrying a handgun if it’s prohibited. Attempting to do so could get you into trouble or even lead to your termination. In light of recent incidents of violence in the workplace, you might be asking yourself…can employers prohibit concealed carry? In order to answer this question, let’s take a look at some legislation related to workplace concealed carry.
LAWS ON WORKPLACE CONCEALED CARRY
Employers have certainly faced a dilemma in considering how to concealed carry at work. Generally under state and local laws, it is management’s decision whether or not to permit guns in the workplace. If employers prohibit their employees from exercising their right to carry, they should notify their employees in clear, legible terms and not just hide them in some obscure paragraph in the employee handbook. Much like labor laws, which must be posted in conspicuous places, workplace regulations relating to firearms should be posted so that all employees know the rules.
When considering whether or not to permit workplace concealed carry, companies should recognize that all employees want to be protected from potential workplace dangers. In establishments like casinos, nightclubs, and concert venues, there is always a chance of violence and so it’s no surprise that employees of these establishments might feel that they need to carry firearms for self-defense.
Companies may allow concealed carrying at work by security personnel or other trained employees if they determine allowing these employees to carry firearms is necessary for the safety and security of workers. In some companies only the company president or his representatives may be authorized to carry or use a weapon. An employer’s prerogative to prohibit an employee’s right to bear arms is protected by the following laws:
OSHA General Duty Clause
The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires that employers ensure that employees are provided with a workplace that is free of recognized hazards to their safety and health. OSHA calls this an employer’s General Duty Clause. Under this provision, it is the job of employers to take steps to reduce risks of harm in cases where these risks are sufficient enough to be recognized hazards.
State tort laws may put employers at a disadvantage if they allow a concealed carry policy for employees. If an armed employee attacks a co-worker, could the company be liable for negligence? This will depend not only on the state in which the incident took place, but also on the efforts of the company to ensure the safety of the other employees. The company’s knowledge of an employee’s past may factor into this question of liability.
Duty and Civil Liability
“Duty and civil liability” is something to consider with regard to concealed carrying in the workplace. A recent incident in Kansas may help to explain the meaning and complexities of duty and civil liability. In this case several incidents of theft and kidnapping took place in a certain company’s parking lot. To remedy this the company decided to install security cameras and created an ad hoc security committee composed of employees. The plaintiff in this case was an employee who had previously served the company as an adviser on safety concerns related to domestic abuse. While leaving work, this former adviser was shot by an ex-boyfriend in the company’s parking lot. Suing the company for negligence, the ex-adviser won a $3.25 million verdict. Her argument was that at her workplace the employer assumed a duty to protect her.
The repercussions of allowing concealed carry based on duty and civil liability are clear. When workplace violence occurs and employees who are allowed to exercise their right to bear weapons fail to thwart the attack or their actions result in injury to another employee, the victim can use the principle of duty and civil liability as an argument in a lawsuit against their employer. Keep this in mind when considering concealed carrying in the workplace.
Guns in Trunks
So can employers prohibit concealed carry? In short, yes, it is their prerogative. However, the right of employees to practice their 2nd Amendment rights is also recognized by state laws. Guns in Trunks laws grant employees the right to store firearms in a locked personal vehicle in the company parking lot. About half of US states have such laws. Implementation varies by state, but such laws they generally require any firearm in question to be:
While most states do not prohibit the carrying of firearms in the workplace, there are others that prohibit concealed carry in certain locations. For instance, if your business operates out of a leased building shared by other non-related entities, building management may prohibit the carrying of firearms. If you insist on carrying a weapon, you may be asked to disarm or leave if discovered doing so. Non-compliance could be considered an act of trespassing. In addition, in some states like Colorado, firearms are prohibited in public or private colleges, universities and seminaries without a specific permit. If you are wondering how to concealed carry at work, it’s important to know these laws.
Some employers provide lockers to their employees. You should check with your employer if you are allowed to store your weapon in your locker. You may also be allowed to concealed carry from the locker room to the parking lot.
Legal Implications
There are many legal implications associated with concealed carrying at work. However, before an employer gives workers permission to carry firearms, the employer should first consider reviewing any such policy with their liability insurer. An insurer may deem that such a policy would increase an employer’s liability risk and this could raise insurance rates or lead to a cancellation of policy.
In addition, you should take into consideration what effect a concealed carry policy for employees might have on compensation coverage. By allowing employees to carry a weapon, employer’s may be required to provide coverage for any claims that arise from employees being injured by a gun-related incident at work.
There are a few other things for employers to consider. For instance, employers should assess whether workplace violence will cause employees to miss work days or lose productivity. They should also consider whether a concealed carry policy will help in the event of an active shooter situation. Statements by law enforcement agencies have noted that a concealed carry policy may inhibit adequate response from law enforcement. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there is a danger that law enforcers may mistake a permit holder for the actual active shooter. Since, in an active shooter situation, chaos may ensue before the police arrive, the DHS suggests that employees remain calm and exercise one of three options, depending on the situation: Run, Hide, or Fight. These options are further explained below:
TIPS FOR ADDRESSING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
So again, can employers prohibit concealed carry? Yes. It is an important decision that every employer should give careful thought to. Workplace violence is an everyday occurrence. The security and safety of employees should always be first priority. Will allowing concealed carry prevent incidents or trigger them? Will it ensure the safety of employees? Lately, the number of workplace shootings has been increasing. What have you done to address the situation? Any policy on concealed carry should be integrated into a broader workplace violence policy. When addressing how to concealed carry at work, your policy should encompass the following:
Experts recommend that employers should implement a threefold approach in developing policies and practices for concealed carrying at work:
Know the Warning Signs
Not all people who commit acts of violence are mentally ill. Some of them do it for revenge, robbery, or because of ideology. While there is no way to predict an attack, it is possible to discern behaviors in your co-workers that could indicate future acts of violence. It is important to be alert for these warning signs:
Consult a legal expert
If your business operates in states that allow concealed carry, it is best to consult a legal counsel for help in developing a policy that will minimize associated risks. You might take into consideration the following factors:
NO WEAPONS ALLOWED IN YOUR WORKPLACE, WHAT’S NEXT?
Employees may have different reasons for carrying firearms but the overwhelming reason is self-defense. Let’s say you have already been informed that firearms are not allowed in your workplace, what now? You may be able to store your firearm in your trunk under a Guns in Trunks law. There may also be other options for self-defense that you can consider.
If you have no other choice but to leave your concealed handgun in your car, make sure to keep it in a place that is not clearly visible. The key to pulling this off is to “THINK LIKE A THIEF.” Pretend that you have locked your keys in your car…how would a thief try to get in? Where would they search? Many thieves, once entering your vehicle, will check for items in the center console, in the glove box, underneath the seats or in the pockets behind the seats. Consider a locked gun safe for this situation. This way, even if a thief breaks into your car they will not be able to get their hands on your firearm.
If you’re not armed, walk, think about walking with a co-worker who is. This will give you some protection from a sudden threat. Parking lots have been the scenes of many assaults and robberies. You’ll have some backup if you walk with a friend.
If pepper sprays or other self-defense items are legal in your jurisdiction, consider carrying these alternatives when you are unarmed. They may save you from a threat or buy you time until you can get to your car or find help. Make sure to check with your employer to find out what is legal to carry.
Chances are your company will not be allowing you to carry firearms. If you are worried about safety, it is worth it to try to work it out with management. Hopefully these tips will help you become effective in how to concealed carry at work.