Timely Training Program Focuses on Preventing Workplace Violence

West Des Moines, IA - January 23, 2002 - It's rare that a training program comes along exactly when it's most needed. Given the pressure cooker of the current workplace, VisionPoint Learning Systems has released its new video-based program titled Be S.A.F.E. (Not Sorry): Preventing Violence in the Workplace at a most appropriate time. The program teaches everyone within an organization specific and easy-to-remember ways to stay aware and to analyze common workplace situations for possible dangers.

As the economy continues to slow, companies will terminate more and more employees. Additionally, organizations are at risk from outside hazards on a daily basis. Employees and managers alike need to learn ways to spot threats and to handle them in an appropriate way. Employing examples taken from real life situations, VisionPoint's video provides specific instructions about how make the workplace safer.

"Preventing workplace violence isn't really about how to deal with the guy who walks into the office with a gun. At that point, it's too late," says Paul Shay, Vice President of VisionPoint. "The fact is 99.99% of the people who commit acts of physical violence don't just snap. It's almost always an escalation, a progression from more subtle forms of violent and pre-violent behavior. It's the kind of behavior that most of us just dismiss as 'having a bad day.' Be S.A.F.E. is designed to help people recognize those warning signs and then know what to do when they see them."

W. Barry Nixon, Executive Director, National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence, Inc., agrees. "I thought the content was timely and well focused on issues that are of concern to both employers and employees," said Nixon. Calling the video an "excellent product" and "valuable training tool," Nixon continued, "The situations were portrayed realistically in a manner that employees will relate to well. Best of all, the tape presents scenarios in a manner that professional trainers will like because they can pause after each one to reinforce the message and learning process."

In Be S.A.F.E. (Not Sorry) learners see scenarios that depict scenes of intimidation, reprisal, and uncontrolled anger. The program shows how subtle incidents can build dangerously if people don't intervene quickly. More importantly, the program instructs viewers what actions they can take and when to report incidents at work. The program even helps viewers recognize that own personal feelings could stand in the way of finding a solution.

"The key is not only staying aware," Shay emphasized, "but knowing what to do if you see something. Be S.A.F.E. shows people the single most effective action they can take to help prevent manageable situations from escalating into tomorrow's headlines."

Be S.A.F.E. (Not Sorry): Preventing Violence in the Workplace includes a 17-minute VHS Video, a facilitator guide with reproducible participant materials, a reproducible self-study workbook, and 10 Pocket Reminder Cards-everything needed for 90 or 150 minute training sessions.

This exciting new program may be previewed and purchased from VisionPoint by calling (800) 300-8880 or by visiting their website at www.vppi.com.

About VisionPoint
VisionPoint Learning Systems (www.vppi.com) specializes in creating video and multimedia-based products that help organizations improve the performance of their workforce. With over 15 years of experience producing award-winning products for the performance improvement marketplace, VisionPoint produces proprietary and custom titles and works with the top names and companies in the training field. VisionPoint may be reached at 800-300-8880 or 515-334-9292, by fax at 515-334-9009, writing to 9379 Swanson Blvd., Suite C, Clive, IA 50325-6919 or e-mail info@vppi.com.