The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) has released findings from a study, one of the nation's first, that examined the present status and needs for terrorism preparedness in the workplace to protect the workforce and ensure the human continuity of the nation's workplaces.  The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation of New York City supported the study, Workplace Preparedness for Terrorism, as part of its mission to stimulate citizen preparedness for terrorism. The study analyzed data from CEO's, directors of corporate security, occupational health and employee assistance, human resources and communications of US corporations to identify barriers and opportunities for achieving employee preparedness.

"The importance of this study is that it directs attention to the issues of collaboration and leadership across diverse workplace functions -- security, occupational health and employee assistance, human resources and communications.  Their integration is essential for creating a community of safety for workplace preparedness and human continuity, " says Dr. Robert J. Ursano, CSTS Director.  "In addition, the study revealed the importance and oftentimes forgotten role of the medical director who can address bioterrorism and pandemic threats, the need for evidence-based interventions for disaster response, especially in assessing the quality of outsourced services, and awareness that corporations exist within larger communities whose combined resources are essential for responding to population-based events such as Hurricane Katrina and the threat of weapons of mass destruction and a pandemic."

The CSTS, part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, provides research, education and consultation to mitigate the traumatic effects and health consequences of natural and human made disasters. The Uniformed Services of the Health Sciences is our nation's federal medical school whose curriculum and programs serve national defense, national security and public health.

Attached is the Executive Summary. To read the complete report of The Workplace Preparedness for Terrorism Study, go to: www.usuhs.mil/csts  or click on the link below:

Workplace Preparedness for Terrorism:  Report of Findings to Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Executive Summary

Workplace Preparedness for Terrorism:  Report of Findings to Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Workplace Preparedness for Terrorism:  Report of Findings to Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
CONTACT:    Nancy Vineburgh (301-294-2470) Director, Office of Public Education and Preparedness, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress