Protecting Against Workplace Violence
When you think of work-related injuries, workplace violence probably doesn’t come to mind. People use the term “going postal” almost as a joke these days. But the origin of the phrase is from a series of incidents where postal workers shot or killed their managers or co-workers. That is no joke.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that roughly 2 million American workers are victims of on-the-job violence each year. Some of these cases are minor. Others are more severe, sometimes even deadly.
Both employers and employees want to do everything they can to prevent violence at work.
Reducing the Chance of Workplace Violence
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance systems can reduce rates of workplace violence. For starters, most criminals don’t want their face captured on camera.
Secondly, managers and employers can keep an eye on their facilities with video surveillance. A security team can watch the cameras for signs of suspicious activity. If someone is seen carrying a weapon towards the facility, lockdown can be implemented, and the police notified. A heated exchange between colleagues, caught on video, can be de-escalated before things get out of hand.
Access Control
An access control system can help protect employees from violence especially from non-employees. If only authorized people can gain access to the building, strangers or those with a vendetta will not be able to get in and do harm. Card readers at the parking garage entrance and at each door to the building are common and a best practice.
Employees should never hold the door open for someone they don’t know when entering or exiting the building. Immediately revoke access to the building when an employee is terminated. Retaliation often plays a part in workplace violence.
Badging
A badging system works with the access control system. The badge is identification for the employee. It can also be used to open secure doors. Photos on badges ensure someone cannot use someone else’s credentials to gain access they should not have. A good rule of thumb is to have employees wear their badge at all times when onsite. A badging system can also be set up for visitors to the building. Lost badges should be reported immediately, and the access removed from the card.
Panic Buttons and Communication Systems
Notify the police of an incident almost immediately with panic buttons installed throughout the building. Panic buttons are often mounted under a desk and can be pressed in secret to request a police dispatch. Alert employees of any type of problem with a building-wide communication system. From a fire drill to an unauthorized person in the building, alerts can be sent over the intercom and also via email and text to all employees.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Workplace Violence
In its Workplace Violence Fact Sheet, OSHA says the best protection against workplace violence is a zero-tolerance policy. Employers should create a detailed policy regarding workplace violence, reminding workers that all claims will be investigated promptly. This policy should also include safety information, as well as tips on how to protect themselves against violent acts.
We Can Help
Cultris Security can help your business with video surveillance, access control, badging and panic/communications. Please call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online for more information or to request a quote.
Read about what to do in an active shooter situation here.
