Workplace Violence: Tragedy Strikes at El Cajon Dental Office

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at a dental office in El Cajon, California, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to two individuals. The shooter, a disgruntled former patient, was apprehended by law enforcement, but the scars of this senseless act will linger for a long time. 

The El Cajon community mourns the loss of Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a 28-year-old dentist who tragically lost his life in a shooting at Smile Plus Dentistry in El Cajon. The tragic event unfolded on February 29, 2024, when a man, reportedly a former patient, unleashed gunfire inside the dental office.

This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance for workplaces to have robust emergency plans in place to address all forms of violence, including the possibility of an active shooter scenario. Regrettably, workplace violence occurrences are becoming all too common. It's important to avoid falling into the mindset of "it won't happen to me," as violence in the workplace can strike at any moment and impact anyone. 

Employers are mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to safeguard their workers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure workplace. While there may not be a specific standard for Workplace Violence, the General Duty Clause underscores the responsibility of employers to prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees, ensuring they are adequately prepared to address any potential threats. As an employer, what are you doing to prepare and prevent this type of hazard? 

Begin by developing an emergency action plan that includes workplace violence.  The brainstorming for this plan should include management and employees.  Identify the risks and then implement procedures to mitigate the risk.  Once the plan is created and adopted, then conduct mock training exercises using your local law enforcement.  Ensure that you understand your local ordinances.

Get help with writing a workplace violence policy.

Over the past several years, SafeLink Consulting has received numerous inquiries regarding active shooter training.  An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.  The National Safety Council (NSC) writes that in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.  NSC provides a 5-minute safety talk on Surviving an Active Shooter that explains the Run, Hide, Fight approach.   The FBI also provides some videos on Run, Hide, Fight. 

An important component of preparing and training your employees, is to conduct periodic drills.  It’s unfortunate that employers are faced with workplace violence incidents, but it is a reality that must be dealt with to keep employees safe. 

Discover effective ways to prevent workplace violence and ensure that employees feel safe and secure on the job. No one should have to live in fear when coming to work, and with the right strategies in place, you can create a positive and secure work environment for everyone. Read more about Stopping Workplace Violence.

Learn more about what SafeLink Consulting can do to help your business with compliance services, including safety compliance, to meet OSHA training requirements and quality system consulting to meet FDA compliance.  SafeLink Consulting assists businesses with workplace safety training, infection control training, HIPAA training online, quality systems, assessments, audits, due diligence, and more.