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    Walters State’s Community Education Division plans courses to prevent workplace violence; work in confined spaces/trench excavation; and learn women’s self-defense techniques during August in Sevier County.

    “Workplace Violence: Prevention and Response” will be offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 7 in room 152 of the Conner-Short Center at the Sevier County Campus. While every business is required to have a fire evacuation plan, statistics show that a workplace violence incident is far more likely than a fire. This course will help companies take proactive steps to preventing workplace violence and, should an incident happen, increase the chances for survival. Topics include the typology of violence as developed by the FBI; five main elements of prevention as recommended by OSHA; the difference between hard and soft targets; personal safety; plans for an active shooter; and use of verbal de-escalation in all types of incidents. The cost is $175.

    “Trench Excavation” and “Confined Space Entry” will be taught on Aug. 14 at the Sevier County Campus from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (The room will be announced later.) “Trench Excavation” is in the morning with “Confined Space Entry” in the afternoon. Individual fees are $135. Attend both courses with lunch for $270. “Trench Excavation” is designed for all employees involved in trenching work including foremen, superintendents, engineers and others involved in underground projects. The class covers soil analysis, use of protective systems and standard requirements. The course also covers the identification of existing and predictable hazards. “Confined Space Entry” addresses the duties and standards for personnel who enter confined spaces, including rescue personnel. Topics include identification of permit-required spaces, use of gas monitoring equipment, proper ventilation, alternate entry procedures and permit requirements. 

    “Women’s Self-Defense” will be offered at the Sevier County Campus from 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 11 and 18. The class teaches defensive tactics for all skill levels. Learn simple, effective and proven ways to defend yourself against an attacker. These techniques are designed for women. The class will also go over the importance in developing a survival mindset and key strategies for avoiding conflict. This class is taught by Roger Overholt, a fifth degree black belt and a certified law enforcement trainer. The cost is $60 per person.

    For more information or to register, contact Amanda Hill at Amanda.Hill@ws.edu or (423) 798-7946. Online registration is available at www.ws.edu/ceed.