Hello
Seventeen US employees die at work every day.
Every day.

The people within our workgroups play a significant role in our lives. In today's mobile society the workplace is increasingly providing the sense of community previously experienced in other societal structures. We spend many hours together each week in pursuit of that delicate balance of individual and organizational goals. We dream, plan, worry, argue, share, endure, and celebrate together. Sometimes it's pretty. Sometimes not.

Is it any wonder that the death of a co-worker impacts people and workgroups in ways measured by both humanitarian and productivity standards? Is it any wonder that organizational leaders face high-impact and high-visibility challenges as they lead their teams in these situations? Few business management curriculae include instruction regarding grief and loss. This issue of PracticePoints aims to equip those facilitating recovery from workplace death so they can demonstrate that masterful blend of competence and compassion.

Thank you in advance for your efforts in this most worthy endeavor.

Best,

When a Coworker is Sick or Dying
This practical article captures the essential elements every manager should know when confronted with a serious illness or death of a coworker. Originally authored by the Hospice Council of Metro Washington, D.C., this resource is presented with the permission of HospiceNet. To view the article click here.
The Role of Loss and Meaning in Grief Recovery
As the philosopher John Donne observed, "No man is an island, entire of itself." Few of us function in isolation; we are by nature social beings. Our interconnectedness, our mutuality, is perhaps most universally experienced within the workplace setting.
CrisisCoach for Providers
Please register at CrisisCoach to review knowledge base resources specific to grief and loss, and to join our critical incident response community. You can participate in Forums to share opinions and resources or ask questions of critical incident response experts. Click here to register.
About.Com Explores Impact of Death in the Workplace
The About.com website features this helpful article on the issue of death in the workplace, as well as presenting a variety of links to topics of interest related to occupational and career issues. To read the article and visit the site click here .
Webinar Emphasizes PFA in Business Continuity Plans
On March 14, CCN President Bob VandePol appeared with Travelers Risk Control representatives to present a Business Continuity Planning webinar. Entitled "Return to Productivity After Workplace Tragedy", his presentation focused upon how employers can effectively lead resilience and recovery efforts addressing the human elements of their organizations. Approximately 200 people attended the webinar to learn how appropriate application of psychological first aid can help facilitate organizational and individual recovery and mitigate both the human and financial costs associated with workplace tragedies.
Upcoming Conferences Focus on Risk and Loss Prevention

CCN to attend the Risk Insurance Managers Society Annual Conference April 29-May 3 in New Orleans.

CCN will attend and exhibit at the Retail Industry Leaders Association Loss Prevention Conference (April 16-19 in Dallas). If attending, please visit us at Booth # 434.

Hope to see you there!

"Causes of Death in the Workplace" by Leigh

How dangerous is someone's job? People from ages 22 through 64 spend roughly 40% of their non-sleeping time at a job where there is considerable potential for exposure to fatal safety and health risks. The purpose of this book is to improve the knowledge and working environment of American workers, by providing an in-depth look at the job hazards in 324 industries and 265 occupations. To read more, or to order a copy, click here.

Critical Incident Response in the Workplace - CCN On-Line Training

This course is designed to provide attendees with a video-enhanced overview of how the evidence-informed Psychological First Aid approach may be applied to the workplace and addresses the unique aspects of the provider's role with the employer client. Course outline:

  • The latest research and best practices in critical incident response
  • The client relationship as it relates to serving employers
  • What we have learned about resiliency and post traumatic stress disorder
  • Overview of Psychological First Aid (PFA) Guidelines
  • How to conduct individual, small and large group briefings in the workplace

Three CEU's are available following completion of the course. For more information click here

Training Opportunities

Best Practices in Critical Incident Response for the Workplace

Date: May 18, 2007
Trainer: Rod Ogilvie
Location: 27555 Diehl Road
Warrenville, IL
To Register Contact: Tracey Stills
866-317-0406
lmstills@counseling-apc.com