Addressing Workplace Violence Through Safety Measures
Many workers are heading back to the office in retail, manufacturing, and corporate. Some couldn’t be more thrilled, and others…well, not so much. Over the last couple of years, the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has created a below surface and sometimes unnoticed bubbling of emotions. Families that continued working through the pandemic had to find ways to care for their families as schools and other businesses were shut down. It is safe to say that it has been a couple of years of finding out what Americans could endure and how adaptable they can be.
As we begin the second quarter of 2022, people are getting in their cars to travel to work, dealing with frustrating traffic added to an already busy schedule. Compact that with labor shortages and the likelihood that every single person working is multi-tasking to cover being short-staffed. All this to say, there will likely be people back in the workplace who would rather not be there. Although most employees will adjust over time to being back at work and figure out how to successfully navigate changes and new personalities, statistics show workplace violent crimes are currently on the rise. Organizations may not know that they are often financially responsible for workplace violence crimes, and exponentially more so if security and safety measures are not in place.
Workplace Violence
Assaults in the workplace have increased, as have rapes and robberies. If workplace violence is on the rise, it could potentially fuel a fear of returning to work. If companies face this situation, they should consider hiring private security guards to help employees feel safe. Most reputable and established security guard placement firms are equipped to send part-time, full-time, temporary, or more permanent guards to cover workplace needs. Private security guards are trained and bring experience from law enforcement and military backgrounds. An experienced placement coordinator can help determine the greatest needs for your company, make suggestions, and work within different budgets. One of the main questions employers ask about hiring private security guards is if they carry a weapon. The answer is that it depends on what fits best with your work environment. The best security guards are fully trained and capable of carrying weapons.
Safety and Security Measures in the Workplace
Unfortunately, many companies didn’t think much about these things during lockdowns since nobody was on site. However, now many companies are playing catch up as they face the urgency of providing a safe workplace for employees and customers.
Providing well-lit areas in and around the building and parking areas can be a reasonably inexpensive and quick way to reduce temptations to commit crimes in poorly lit areas. Installing security cameras is another easy-to-obtain tool for safety. Having some basic things in place ahead of time can save companies time and money while protecting their people.
Offering security guard presence in the workplace is an excellent way to tie all security and safety measures together for a cohesive approach, which has the highest likelihood of reducing workplace crimes. Today’s best security guards become part of the staff and fill many roles while working. Expertly trained to multi-task, these men and women take their jobs seriously and understand workplace safety is essential to running a business.
Additional Safety Benefits from Security Guards
There are many benefits to companies who hire private security guards. The obvious is that they can protect people and property in an emergency. One benefit that many do not think about is a pre-assessment of the property. Doing so is a wise way to minimize vulnerable areas where workplace crimes are more likely to happen and address them ahead of time. Doors that don’t lock or areas with frequent access must be protected. Risk assessment is something security guards do on each assignment, and this has proven to be a valuable tool in addressing areas of concern before they become an issue. Due to the background and experience of the best security guards, dealing with emergency agencies if someone is hurt or injured and needs medical attention is done effortlessly by professionals. Expecting employees without proper training to manage these situations is unfair and more complicated than it needs to be. If you have a security guard on-site, everyone knows they are watching for any suspicious activity and can take the lead in emergencies. If an evacuation is necessary, security guards are trained to move large crowds calmly and safely out of the building or off the property.
Surely employers will realize that workers coming back will demand safety measures be in place to allow them to do their jobs without any workplace violence disruptions. Safety is the top need of all people, and going to work should not be scary or dangerous. In taking some small measures, companies can protect themselves while providing the proper protection for workers and anyone coming on site.
