Every year, thousands of American workers report having been victims of workplace violence. In 2021-22, assaults resulted in 57,610 injuries. In 2022, 525 fatalities due to assault were reported, according to Injury Facts®. Workplace violence can happen anywhere and at any time, with the critical moments before police arrive being particularly chaotic, making it important that organizations have a plan to address these kinds of situations.
Addressing workplace violence effectively requires a layered approach that combines technology and protocol to ensure a secure environment. Technology plays a pivotal role by enhancing prevention efforts and enabling organizations to detect, respond, and mitigate violent incidents more efficiently. Advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated alerts help identify potential threats early, while integrated security systems offer real-time awareness, centralized control, and post-incident analysis.
However, technology alone is not enough. Strict protocols must be in place to guide both employers and employees. A communication plan is essential, and workplace policies should include employee training, emergency action plans, and collaboration with local law enforcement. Adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence is crucial.
To support employers, state governments are enacting mandates like California’s Senate Bill 553 on the development of comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. This includes regular training, clear incident reporting procedures, and the option to seek restraining orders to protect employees.
As a compliment to legislative efforts, Convergint’s safety and security systems play a crucial role in enhancing workplace safety.
Analytics and Predictive Insights:
Threat Detection
Uses advanced data analytics to monitor real-time data from sources like surveillance cameras and access systems to help identify potential threats early, allowing employers to take action before violence occurs.
Risk Assessment
Continuously analyzes data trends to assess specific workplace risks, enabling targeted measures to create a safer environment.
Integrated Security Systems:
Real-Time Awareness
Systems that combine video surveillance, access control, and alarms give employers a real-time view of the workplace, helping spot and respond to potential violence.
Automated Alerts
Systems can automatically send alerts during security breaches or violent incidents, notifying the right people for a fast, coordinated response.
Incident Response Management:
Centralized Control
Provide a centralized platform to manage all security data, making it easier to coordinate actions during an incident.
Post-Incident Analysis
After an incident, offers detailed reports to help employers understand what happened and improve future safety measures.
Scalability and Customization:
Tailored Solutions
Systems can be customized for any workplace, big or small, ensuring consistent protection across all locations.
Continuous Improvement
Regularly update safety systems to adapt to new threats and evolving workplace environments.
Companies are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to evolving legislation specific to workplace violence prevention. Furthermore, Convergint is here to assist in identifying technologies that merit exploration. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) evaluation.
A global leader in systems integration
Convergint is a global, service-based systems integrator focused on mission-critical security, fire, and life safety infrastructure. Convergint offers last-mile delivery for emerging technology, backed by a 20-year commitment to its core value of service. Contact an expert today to learn more about how Convergint can help protect your organization.
Effective security and safety is a multi-layered approach involving people, processes, and technologies. Convergint-provided products and services are only one part of this multi-layered approach, will not detect or prevent all threats or solve every risk, and should not be your sole method of security or safety. Please see the “IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY AND SERVICE INFORMATION” documentation, available at convergint.com/terms, prior to using a Convergint-installed system.
