Suspicious letter at work, stressed after incident

[Christi]

I received a suspicious letter at work and walked it (a bit half harted) to the mailroom from there it escalated very quickly, next thing I know I was isolated in the first aid room, police, ambulance and fire brigade on their way. Ambulance advised first aider to roll me on my side should I become unconscious (not nice to hear that, worried me heaps) police turns up, the ladies from the mail room join me in quarantine. The ambulance turns up, vital check everthing fine but asked me to come with them just in case. Tried to find out my chances as I am not keen on hospitals and was worried that it would cause rumors at work. We all decided to stay in the work first aid room. Fireman opens the door and advised that they found a powder, we all start to panic and second guess our self for not going to hospital. Few minutes later police confirms that there is nothing to be concerned off and gives us the all clear. We are not poisoned and will not die today! Since then I feel so drained, empty and stressed, I am just a temp in the company...will I loose my job? Police advised me that I could have harmed people in the lift when I walked the letter to the mailroom and I should not do that. My direct manager didn't even ask if I am OK this morning one up from my manager just asked half heart (racing past) you alright?

[RandR]

Wow.

Firstly, I'm glad to hear that you are all safe! What a scary experience!

I'd be shocked if you were not stressed after going through that so take it easy, see a friend or someone close and throw on some relaxing music, eat some nice food and control your breathing. Sorry to hear that management were lacking concern. Did the police offer and suggest what they think you should have done? More importantly, does the company you work for have a policy in place when it comes to receiving packages that look 'suspicious' and how you are expected to handle them? Does the company you work for have a HR department? In cases like these, they would and should be the first people to see if you are alright. As for losing your job, I wouldn't think so. Having worked in workplace compliance I have some knowledge around this. Take it day by day. if things go pear shaped and you are let go for no good reason, simply contact Fair Work and remember the words 'unfair dismissal'. If it comes to that.

Throw on a feel good movie if you can and glad to hear that you are all okay!

Regards,

Raman.

[Croix]

Dear Christi~

I think you did a good job. Unless one has training specifically about suspicious letters then keeping one's head- which you did, and acting reasonably - which you did too, is all anyone could ask.

Your workplace does not sound a prepared or caring one and I'm sorry they were not a whole heap more supportive. At least counseling should have been offered. It does not matter that the powder was benign, you felt in immediate apprehension of serious harm or death, and this was made more real by the ambo's instructions in case you passed out.

Raman has given some good advice, pamper yourself and get distracted - and while you are at it pat yourself on the back, you did OK

Croix.