Axia College Material
Appendix E

Evaluating Safe Working Conditions

Directions: Read each scenario and answer the following questions.

1. Workplace Violence

Sam is a security officer for ABC Corporation in the Phoenix area. He is always stationed at the security desk in the main lobby to greet employees and visitors. One day he observed an employee from the finance department muttering something under his breath and acting strangely as he walked by the security desk. He noticed this same behavior the following day. On the third day, there was a shooting in the finance department. The director of finance and her administrative assistant were shot and killed by the employee exhibiting strange behavior; the employee
3. Drug Use and Abuse

James is a five year supervisory security officer with World Wide Security Network, which provides contract security for a large automotive plant in the metropolitan area. Their motto is “Safety is our business.” Due to his experience, James believes a subordinate but seasoned security officer is exhibiting signs of drug use. The security officer has increased absenteeism, often seems tired and unfocused, and his work does not meet minimum security standards for the company. James has spoken to his subordinate on several occasions but his performance has not improved. World Wide Security Network does not currently test its employees for drug use.

James believes his security officer is abusing drugs. Do you think his suspicions are reasonable under the circumstances? What should James do? Do you think drug testing, especially of security personnel, should be required? Explain your answer.

I don't believe that the officer is exhibiting drug abuse symptoms. He could be dealing with some personal problems which is affecting his physical and mental ability to perform his duties. But never the less I think a random drug test should be administered before allegations of drugs uses is brought to light. That way the security officer would not feel like he's