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Keeping Yourself Safe as a Workplace Investigator
Original Program Date :
Length: 1 Hour
Workplace investigators should always be concerned about their safety when conducting investigations. By definition, we are meeting with people who have been accused of wrongdoing that often involves psychological or physical violence, or both. There are highly significant consequences to complainants and respondents that can involve personal safety, job security, identity, and reputation. We may be seen as a great threat to the people being investigated. We often meet alone, in potentially unsafe places, where we are highly vulnerable, even if we are trained in law enforcement. And we are meeting people with often-unknown histories that can include violence and personal instability. In other words, we won’t know we are in it until we are in it. With this understanding, this webinar should make you safer and may even save your life.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the inherent risks in conducting workplace investigations
- Identify warning signs of an unsafe situation
- Minimize actions that increase risk
Disclaimer: The contents of this webinar and the positions taken are those of the presenter only, may be time sensitive, and are not warranted, endorsed or otherwise recommended by AWI and are not intended to provide legal advice.
Dr. Perry Sirota, Psychologist and Investigator, Sirota Psychological Services
Dr. Perry Sirota is a Clinical and Forensic Industrial Psychologist, workplace mental health specialist, workplace investigator, and organizational consultant, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He earned his Masters (M.A.) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology from Queen's University, and more recently an M.B.A. degree from the University of Phoenix. He divides his time equally between a thriving clinical and consulting practice, that includes 1) assessment and treatment of mental health issues, including drug and alcohol use disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, workplace issues, and relationship challenges; 2) psychological assessments and consultations relating to litigation, accommodation, disability management, threats, and violence; 3) workplace investigations; and 4) organizational consulting, coaching, training and conducting workshops. Training and workshops cover a range of topics, including workplace mental health, bullying and harassment, respectful workplaces, investigations, leadership, and substance abuse. Dr. Sirota has a special interest and extensive experience in the unionized workplace setting. Dr. Sirota also prepares psychological evaluations for courts and administrative tribunals, and has testified over 400 times as an expert witness in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, Provincial Court, Family and Youth Court, and at labour arbitrations.
