The Importance of Security Guards in the Workplace: How They Help Prevent Workplace Violence

How Security Guards Prevent Workplace Violence

Rigorously trained private security guards can proactively prevent and handle workplace violence through detailed risk assessments, situational awareness, access control, conflict de-escalation, and more.

Security guards are powerful deterrents to crimes, including violent behavior, and can spot early signs of disorderly conduct. They also prevent potentially violent people (e.g. fired employees) from entering your premises by controlling access, screening visitors, and patrolling your property regularly to look for signs of suspicious activities/behavior.

Moreover, they are trained in de-escalation techniques to prevent aggressive behavior from escalating and can disarm attackers when necessary. They can also collaborate with the authorities for the swift apprehension of criminal offenders.

Scout Security’s certified security guards, mobile patrol officers, and video surveillance operators in the Colorado Springs and Denver Metro areas offer proactive solutions to address any threat in your business including workplace violence. Book a consultation now to get comprehensive security solutions to maximize safety in your business. 

What is Workplace Violence?

What is Workplace Violence?

According to OSHA:

“Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide.”

Workplace Violence, OSHA

Other examples of common threatening behaviors in the workplace include bullying and discrimination. Aside from these, violence towards your property, like break-ins and arson, is also included.

These behaviors can affect your employees, customers, and visitors which can damage your reputation. 

(More on the importance of hiring security guards for effective workplace violence prevention later.)

Also Read: How Can Uniformed Security Guards Deter Crime in Your Business?

9 Ways Security Guards Help in Preventing & Controlling Workplace Violence

Below are the various preventative measures and ways security guards may use to ensure the safety of your employees and patrons from the impacts of workplace violence:

How security guards prevent workplace violence: Tailored security solutions | Conducting risk assessments

#1. Providing Tailored Security Solutions Based on Your Specific Needs

We offer versatile and comprehensive security solutions regardless of what industry you are in from hospitality businesses and retail establishments to construction and industrial manufacturing facilities.

Private security firms, like Scout Security, can customize strategies to your workplace’s unique needs, risks, and vulnerabilities to ensure targeted protection. We can adapt our services to the specific challenges faced by your industry to promote a secure and more productive work environment.

#2. Conducting Comprehensive Risk Assessments and Planning

Comprehensive risk and threat assessments are important in helping us develop effective workplace violence prevention strategies tailored to your needs.

We evaluate potential vulnerabilities by assessing your workplace’s physical layout, access points, existing security measures, and previous incidents. These will assist us in devising preventative security measures that can address any risk that might contribute to workplace violence.

For long-term security services, we can also regularly review and update risk assessments to stay ahead of potential security threats.

We can collaborate with your management and HR to develop and implement workplace violence prevention strategies.

We can work alongside your HR in:

  • Identifying potential violent risks
  • Developing and enforcing workplace policies
  • Creating programs for employee education, raising awareness, and reporting procedures
  • Implementing necessary actions such as disciplinary measures, counseling, or police involvement

Also Read: 10 Benefits of Hiring a Security Guard to Protect Your Business

How security guards prevent workplace violence: visible security presence | continuous surveillance & monitoring

#3. Providing a Visible Security Presence Through Uniformed On-Site Officers

Hiring security guards in professional uniforms that symbolize authority helps communicate that your workplace is taking safety seriously. This can discourage potential perpetrators and mitigate security risks including violence.

They are stationed strategically in vulnerable areas for maximum deterrence effect like:

  • Entrances
  • High-traffic areas
  • Conflict-prone locations

Also Read: 12 Top Duties & Responsibilities of a Security Guard

#4. Conducting Continuous Surveillance and Monitoring

Security guards that are regularly monitoring your premises not only improve crime deterrence. Constant surveillance also allows them to identify early signs of violent behavior before they escalate and stop potential attackers whether they are your employees, customers, or outsiders.

Long-term security guards who have become familiar with your staff can also spot unusual behavior changes to ensure that threats are reported and addressed promptly.

They monitor for strange behavior through CCTV cameras or mobile patrols for large properties:

Through Video Monitoring

Security guards use advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV and video analytics, to detect potential threats and monitor high-risk areas for signs of aggression or unusual behavior.

They maintain vigilant oversight of live video feeds to quickly identify and address risks in real-time to prevent violent incidents. Thus, improving workplace safety through early intervention.

Through Vehicle Patrols

Mobile patrols are conducted in large properties, especially in less frequented areas, to prevent potential threats proactively.

These help minimize blind spots and prevent unauthorized individuals from performing malicious activities in these areas. They also ensure the quick apprehension of perpetrators through the early notification of law enforcement.

Also Read: How to Increase Business Security With a 24-Hour Guard

How security guards prevent workplace violence: access control | visitor management | conflict mediation & resolution

#5. Controlling Access and Managing Visitors

Controlling access to your property is another important task that security guards do to prevent potentially violent individuals from entering your premises.

The responsibilities of security guards include the following:

  • Monitoring your entrances and exits
  • Verifying identities
  • Keeping a log of visitors
  • Issuing access badges and temporary permits

These tasks minimize the risk of unauthorized entry (like that of disgruntled former employees) that could result in confrontations, disturbances, or violent crimes.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Ensuring Building Security: 11 Helpful Tips

#6. Conflict Mediation and Resolution

Security guards can assess tense situations and apply de-escalation techniques to prevent confrontations from turning violent.

They are trained in situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and conflict resolution. Thus, they can identify potentially tense scenarios and possess strong communication skills that allow them to intervene promptly during confrontations without worsening the situation.

Their ability to stay calm under pressure also helps in diffusing disputes effectively and prevents them from escalating into violence. This avoids the use of physical force in controlling the situation while still maintaining the safety of all people involved.

Also Read: How Security Guards Handle Conflicts & De-escalate Violent Situations

Helpful Tip:

Having a certified security officer during employee terminations can significantly enhance workplace safety in case of any unforeseen responses from the fired employee.

How security guards prevent workplace violence: rapid emergency response & crisis management

#7. Rapid Emergency Response and Crisis Management

Security guards are often the first responders in workplace emergencies, including violence, so they undergo specialized training in crisis management and other types of emergencies.

Since they can identify warning signs of violence, they can respond promptly to emergencies and coordinate with law enforcement when needed.

Additionally, guards are equipped to deal with various emergencies such as fires, medical crises, natural disasters, and security breaches. Their swift action and rapid coordination with emergency services ensure the effective mitigation of risks that could lead to financial and reputational damage to your company.

In high-risk industries, guards also receive training tailored to specific threats like hazardous materials or bomb threats.

During emergencies, security guards can do the following:

Provide First Aid and Emergency Assistance

Security guards are trained in first aid and CPR so they can provide immediate medical assistance to injuries in case of unforeseen incidents caused by workplace violence.

Collaborate With Law Enforcement

Private guards also bridge the gap between workplaces and law enforcement authorities.

They can share important information and facilitate coordination with police in the event of workplace violence. This enhances the effectiveness of emergency response and crisis management efforts.

Also Read: Why Private Security and Law Enforcement Collaboration is Crucial

Create Incident Reports and Documentation

Another important duty that security guards must perform is documenting incidents, threats, and suspicious activities diligently.

These reports detail descriptions, dates, times, locations, and individuals involved that can be helpful in potential investigations. They also allow you to address concerns proactively which may involve disciplinary measures.

Moreover, detailed reports help identify recurring issues and pinpoint security vulnerabilities which can assist in refining your violence prevention efforts.

Providing Post-Incident Support

The duties of security guards include the following to promote quicker recovery for your workplace:

  • Securing your perimeters
  • Preserving vital evidence
  • Offering support to affected staff

Also Read: The Role of Security Guards in Emergency Response

How security guards prevent workplace violence: enforcing company policies | continuous training

#8. Enforcing Your Security Policies

Ensuring workplace safety involves enforcing your company policies including:

  • Monitoring employees to make sure that they comply with your protocols (e.g. wearing IDs)
  • Ensuring that employees are utilizing secure access points
  • Ensuring that only authorized individuals access restricted areas
  • Implementing access control procedures
  • Following emergency and evacuation protocols

#9. Continuous Training

Security guards undergo continuous training to equip them with the necessary skills in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and incident response.

Updated training programs that include new workplace violence prevention strategies (along with safety laws and other best practices) enhance the ability of security guards to identify and mitigate evolving threats efficiently.

Also Read: 11 Problems a Security Guard Can Help You Solve

The Employer’s Role in Addressing Workplace Violence: Educating Your Employees

The Employer’s Role in Addressing Workplace Violence: Educating Your Employees

As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are working in a safe environment.

One way to do this is to promote awareness to prevent workplace violence in the first place through the following:

  • Educating your employees to recognize potential violence-indicating behaviors
  • Encouraging your employees to report suspicious behaviors and other security concerns
  • Establishing clear reporting protocols for alarming behavior
  • Developing a comprehensive workplace violence policy including employee training on conflict resolution, de-escalation, and cybersecurity awareness
  • Utilizing safety technologies (e.g. panic buttons and lone worker monitoring systems) to reduce workplace violence

Also Read: 6 Advantages of Having a Hybrid Security Strategy

Other Things to Know About Workplace Violence

Other Things to Know About Workplace Violence

Warning Signs of Violent Behavior

Most violent workplace incidents are initiated by individuals exhibiting strange behavior. Security guards are trained in situational awareness to identify these behaviors and know when intervention is needed.

Warning signs that may potentially lead to violent situations include:

  • Changes in demeanor
  • Mental health issues
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Paranoia
  • Heavy breathing
  • Flushed face
  • Verbal outbursts
  • Finger-pointing
  • Talking about weapons
  • Inappropriate jokes
  • Invading personal space
  • Standing toe to toe
  • Making fists
  • Slurred speech
  • Laughing inappropriately or nervously
  • Boasting prior violence
  • Anger issues
  • Lack of impulse control
  • Antisocial behaviors
  • Vindictive
  • Desperation
  • Substance abuse
  • Unexplained absenteeism
  • Other weird behavior

Also Read: When Should You Hire Short-Term or Temporary Security Guards?

Why It Is Important to Have Preventative Solutions to Prevent Workplace Violence

To answer this question, let us first give you shocking statistics regarding workplace violence in the US and its impact on your business:

Workplace Violence Statistics That You Should Know

  • Assault is the fifth leading cause of workplace deaths
  • There were 392 workplace homicides (81% were men) and 37,060 nonfatal workplace injuries intentionally caused by another person in 2020 (Source: BLS)
  • There were 20,050 workers in the private industry (73% were female) who experienced trauma due to nonfatal workplace violence in 2020

In addition, the top occupational groups having the most workplace homicide cases in 2020 according to BLS were:

  • Sales and related
  • Transportation and material moving
  • Management
  • Construction and extraction
  • Production

Also Read: The Role of Security Guards in Retail & Commercial Properties

Impacts of Workplace Violence on Your Business

According to the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), below are the documented statistics regarding the consequences of workplace violence events in firms:

  • Employees who experienced trauma can cost significantly due to frequent sick leaves, reduced productivity, and low morale
  • Up to 50% decrease in productivity following the incident
  • Employee turnover rates can reach up to 40%
  • One workplace homicide can have an average cumulative cost ranging from $250,000 to $1 million
  • Workplace violence-related lawsuits have an average out-of-court settlement of nearly $500,000
  • Negligence lawsuit costs have increased to nearly $2 million now 

Thus, you need the help of security guards in your business to prevent workplace violence and potential financial losses.

Employees who feel safe in their workplaces are more productive since they can focus on their tasks knowing that they are protected from potentially violent situations. In addition, customers who see that their security is your priority can help build trust and loyalty. These are important in ensuring the success of your business.

Also Read:

FAQs

What security measures can prevent workplace violence?

Security measures that can prevent workplace violence include:
– Conducting detailed risk assessments
– Regular monitoring of your premises
– Implementing strict access control
– Employing conflict de-escalation techniques

These can be done with the help of highly trained private security guards.

How do security guards prevent crime?

Security guards prevent crime by:
– Providing a visible presence to deter potential criminals
– Conducting continuous patrols to identify early signs of criminal behavior
– Controlling access to prevent unauthorized entry
– Responding to emergencies and alarms promptly
– Contacting and reporting to law enforcers for rapid resolution of security threats

Why security is important in the workplace?

Workplace security is crucial for your business because it protects your employees, customers, visitors, and assets from dangers like violence. It creates a safe environment which boosts worker morale and productivity. It also prevents financial losses due to theft, vandalism, and legal issues tied to violence to protect your company’s reputation.

Conclusion

Private security guards help mitigate workplace violence through proactive strategies including visible deterrence, identifying early signs of violent behavior, managing unauthorized access, and employing de-escalation tactics.

They also collaborate with law enforcement for the swift apprehension of offenders. Thus, ensuring the safety of your employees and customers which is important for maintaining productivity and ensuring your company’s success.

Partnering with Scout Security’s certified security guards and mobile patrollers consisting of former law enforcers and veterans will ensure the effective prevention of violence in your workplace. We serve clients in the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs areas. Call us now!

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