Workplace Violence Security
Threat Assessment / Threat Management in a changing world……… Is Your Workplace Prepared?
Workplace violence is an unpleasant reality in the world today. Two million Americans will be victims of some kind of workplace violence this year, with many other cases not reported. No matter your industry, no business is immune from potential threat. In fact, these kinds of attacks can happen anytime and anywhere. Is your business prepared?
Your first line of defense against workplace violence is including expertly trained, professional security specialists in your overall workplace protection program.
Kingdom Protective Services can provide uniformed or plain clothes Agents to the client’s request.
We can provide Protection Agents for the following events:
Large-scale layoffs
Terminations
Press conferences
Disciplinary actions
Board or shareholder meetings
Company-wide gatherings
Every business is different, but one thing remains the same: the desire to keep your most valuable assets safe and secure. Off Duty Officers can equip your business with security guards specially trained in the deterrence of workplace violence. Our agents receive ongoing in-service training and supervision to ensure that they are always at the top of their game.
What is Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.” These events are complex due to the wide scope of potential assailants, victims and threats.
Violence in the workplace can be perpetrated by any number of people, including disgruntled employees and former employees, vendors, clients or even those with a personal relationship with an employee. While there might be an intended victim or victims to the violence, other times the assailant will just seek to cause harm and destruction. Threats can range from verbal harassment to active shooter and mass shooting events.
How serious is the Issue of Workplace Violence?
This type of threat continues to be a high-priority concern for business owners and other stakeholders. The trends for workplace violence indicate that it is a threat that is not going away. And with the prevalence of recent mass shootings occurring all across the country over the recent years, it is more critical than ever to have prevention plans in place to protect your people and other business assets.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries provided a current picture of workplace violence in their 2017 summary. Although statistics indicate an overall decrease in violent incidences in 2017, the threat of workplace violence is still one of the top priorities for businesses in the United States today.
The Impact of Workplace Violence on Your Business
Violence in the workplace does not just impact the people directly involved. Workplace violence often has serious and lasting implications for company executives, other employees, current and potential clients, the community and the business’s reputation.
According to the most recent research and studies:
The average cost of negligence lawsuits: $2 million
The average cost of a workplace homicide: between $250,000 and $1 million
The average cost of an out-of-court settlement: $500,000
50% decrease in productivity in the 6 to 18 weeks after an event
20% to 40% employee turnover
1.8 million days of work missed each year, costing more than $55 million in lost wages
Professional Security Guards Deter Workplace Violence
Although there is no foolproof way to prevent workplace violence, your company can take action to help deter these threats. Highly-skilled and trained security personnel can mean the difference between a typical workday and a tragedy. When combined with other workplace violence prevention solutions such as pre-employment screenings, company policies and trainings, security guards can act as an integral part of your company’s security program.
Security guards can address workplace violence in a number of important ways. Often guards are at the frontline of your business, having direct contact with those coming in and out, such as employees, customers, vendors and visitors. They play a crucial role in identifying potential risk factors or behaviors that may lead to a workplace violence incidence.
Professional security guards can act as a visible deterrent to workplace violence by discouraging a potential offender from attempting a violent act in their presence. Guards also keep security front-of-mind for your employees, customers and other visitors to your business. Their physical presence is a visual reminder to your constituents that their safety and security is a priority for your business. An increase in awareness can aid in your overall security efforts.