Workplace Safety Considerations for Security Managers
Workplace safety continues to be a concern for many employers – and their employees – across the country.
According to the U.S. Dept of Labor, acts of violence and other injuries is currently the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. Sadly, the workplace is not immune to the epidemic of mass shootings in this country. Between 1966 and 2021, there were 53 workplace shootings carried out throughout the country, according to the Violence Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center that’s funded by the National Institute of Justice. This represented more than 30% of the 188 mass shootings recorded during that period, the organization said. The biggest motivator behind these incidents was an employment-related issue, such as a termination, which constituted 70% of the recorded workplace mass shootings, according to the Violence Project’s data.
“Workplace violence is a tangible reality,” say Heather Beasley, Security Manager for Purple, the mattress innovator and manufacturing company. “Our manufacturing space is very open, and news of workplace violence and use of weapons elsewhere gave rise for concern.”
While many states have laws allowing employees to bring their guns to work, giving licensed carriers the right to bring weapons, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) allows employers to take measures to ensure a safe and secure workplace. In other words, just because a state may allow employees to bring guns to work doesn’t mean employers must allow employees to carry guns at the worksite.
Beasley and team decided to implement a weapons detection system to help reduce the likelihood of a weapon getting into a Purple manufacturing facility so that employees could focus more on work while onsite. “People should be able to focus on their job and not worry about their safety,” Beasley says.
For industrial workplace security managers, maintaining a safe environment is not just a regulatory requirement to foster a safe and compliant workplace. Below are additional considerations and steps an organization can take around workplace safety:
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment
In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be minimized if employers take appropriate precautions. - Emergency Preparedness, Training and Response
Despite the best planning and preparation, emergencies and crises can still occur. Operators can develop and regularly update an emergency response plan that includes evacuation procedures, first aid, fire safety and mass communication protocols. Drills should be conducted frequently, aiming to ensure that all employees are familiar with procedures and can act swiftly if necessary. - Regulatory and Compliance Audits
Compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations is a non-negotiable. Industrial security managers should stay informed about relevant safety standards and work to ensure their operations are fully compliant. Frequent audits, whether conducted internally or by third parties, are designed to help identify gaps and areas for improvements. - Safety Culture and Employee Engagement
Building a strong safety culture is one of the most effective ways to help support long-term safety in the workplace. This culture can be created when safety becomes a shared value among employees and operators encourage open communication about concerns, involve employees in safety planning and recognize those who contribute to a safer workplace. A strong safety culture can lead to proactive behaviors and a reduction in incidents.
Supporting workplace safety is a dynamic and ongoing process. For security managers, it can require a commitment to proactive risk assessment, ongoing training, and a culture that prioritizes communication and safety above all else.
