Understanding Types of Workplace Violence and the Role of Armed Security
Comprehending the Spectrum of Workplace Threats: How Armed Security Professionals Can Mitigate the Risks
Workplace violence is a critical concern for organizations across various sectors. It disrupts a safe and harmonious work environment, imposes physical and emotional trauma on victims, and can lead to significant financial repercussions. Understanding the types of workplace violence and how armed security can mitigate these risks is vital to creating and maintaining safe workspaces.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence falls into four broad categories:
- Criminal Intent: This involves incidents where the perpetrator has no legitimate relationship with the business or its employees and is usually in the course of a crime such as robbery or trespassing. A harrowing example is the 2007 incident at the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah, where a lone gunman killed five people and injured four others.
- Customer/Client: Violence perpetrated by a customer or client of the business towards an employee or the organization falls under this category. This includes violence in healthcare settings or by students in schools, for instance. A grim reminder is the 2009 incident in Collier Township, Pennsylvania, where George Sodini opened fire in an LA Fitness center, killing three women and injuring nine others.
- Worker-on-Worker: This involves acts perpetrated by an employee or past employee of the business. A stark example is the 2011 incident at the Southern California Edison office where a former employee opened fire, reminding businesses of the potential threats that may arise from within their own ranks.
- Personal Relationship: This category includes violence committed by individuals who don't work there but have personal relationships with an employee—an abusive spouse or domestic partner, for example. The 2012 incident at the Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where a man killed his estranged wife and two other women, underscores the significance of this category.
Each of these categories presents unique challenges that require effective security measures. Armed security guards play a crucial role in this aspect, not only by their potential deterrent effect but also their ability to react and manage a crisis situation until law enforcement arrives. They are trained to deal with high-pressure situations, make quick decisions, and take appropriate action to mitigate harm.
For example, in 2015, a lone gunman entered Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. However, an armed security officer onsite quickly responded, killing the gunman before he could cause significant harm. This incident underscores the critical role that armed security can play in protecting workplaces and mitigating the effects of workplace violence.
At ArmedSecurity.com, we are committed to providing professional, reliable, and responsive armed security services. Our hiring process is thorough, ensuring our security personnel are competent, understand their roles, and are prepared to handle complex situations.
It's essential to realize that while armed security cannot eliminate all risks of workplace violence, it significantly aids in lowering the potential for violent incidents and can play a pivotal role in mitigating damage when incidents occur.
For a comprehensive understanding of how adequate security measures are essential in today's increasingly complex workplace environments, we encourage you to explore our specialized services on Workplace Violence Security.
Remember, safety and security are everyone's responsibility. Together, let's make our workplaces safer.
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