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Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) is a company diversity registration designated under the Veteran Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461). Registration ensures that companies qualify for preferential procurement for federal contracts if they are owned and controlled by Veterans.

This certification is non-industry specific and requires that the firm meets the small business requirements established by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Additionally, it requires that the company is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a veteran.

3 min read

Reality Check: Healthcare Workers Are estimated to have a 20% higher chance of being a victim of workplace violence than the average worker

We were unfortunately not surprised by the article by Kevin Jones we read in Security Management recently which discusses the security and safety of hospitals and their workers as well as shedding light on other staggering statistics from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Secret Service Threat Assessment Center.

Do these stats startle you?

  • 761 workplace fatalities were the result of intentional injury from another person
  • ~2,000,000 people are subject to workplace violence EVERY YEAR
  • 12% of emergency room nurses surveyed were victims of physical assault in 2021
  • Each year, 761,000 workers experience some form of physical assault
    in the workplace (National Crime Victimization Survey, 2021)
  • Behind transportation incidents, violence is the top cause of death for
    women in the workplace (BLS, 2021)
  • In the past decade, workplace violence has taken the lives of 788 U.S.
    workers per year, on average (BLS, 2011-2021)
  • NIOSH estimates the annual nationwide economic cost of workplace
    violence is nearly $121 billion
  • Employee productivity is estimated to decrease up to 50% in the 6 to
    18 weeks following an incident of violence, while turnover can increase
    to upwards of 30% to 40% (National Institute for the Prevention of
    Workplace Violence, n.d.)

Lost Productivity

And aside from the desire to eliminate these threats, let's look at the loss of productivity when employees feel unsafe at work. The threat of workplace violence significantly impacts employees' productivity. An environment marked by hostility, fear, or potential harm significantly undermines an employee's ability to perform at their best, leading to a severe decrease in overall productivity.

According to Zippia, workplace violence causes American businesses to lose, on average, $250 to $330 billion every year. (Zippia)

The impact of workplace violence can be observed at multiple levels. At the individual level, the fear of violence fosters a state of continuous anxiety and stress. Such a psychological state significantly hampers an employee's ability to focus, causing a dip in productivity. The constant worry of potential harm distracts employees from their tasks, reducing the quality and quantity of their output.

The constant threat of violence also contributes to absenteeism and employee turnover. Fearful of their safety, employees may take more sick days, arrive late, or even quit. These circumstances create a productivity void that other employees must fill, putting additional pressure on them and further decreasing overall productivity.

The potential of violence can affect an organization's culture, leading to a decline in morale and engagement. A hostile environment can lead to a disengaged workforce, leading to lower productivity levels. The perceived inability of management to address violence can lead to a lack of trust in leadership, further demotivating employees. This is where it is critical that administrators of all types of businesses and organizations can take a stand to better protect employees and visitors by implementing proper procedures, policies, and technologies within their security program.

The threat of workplace violence has a profound impact on individual employees and organizational productivity. To maintain a productive and healthy work environment, employers must establish strong policies against violence, create open communication channels, and ensure psychological safety for all employees.

Read the Security Management article here >>

Healthcare worker violence article image - ASIS 2023-1

 

Download the National Safety Council Fact Sheet here >>

NSC Workplace Violence Flyer cover image

 

Download the U.S. DoJ's Special Report: Indicators of Workplace Violence here >>

US DOJ Indicators of Workplace Violence - 2019 cover image

 

FREE: PHYSICAL SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS GUIDE

IN-HOUSE SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS magazine cover

We understand the challenges that security professionals face in securing their facilities and creating a safe environment within their budget. We also recognize the difficulty in finding the right resources and expert advice to achieve this mission.

That's why we're excited to announce the release of our considerations guide, designed specifically to help security professionals conduct their own in-house security risk assessment.

This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in identifying any missing or inadequate physical security measures that may compromise the safety and security of your assets, people, property, and critical business functions. While we highly recommend consulting with a third-party expert like Theseus Professional Services in certain cases, this guide will empower you to take a proactive approach to assess and address security risks within your organization.

The findings of a security risk assessment play a vital role in measuring and communicating the level of risk to your organization. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enhance the overall security of your facility while staying within your budget.

We believe that knowledge is power, and we're committed to providing you with valuable resources to help you achieve your security goals. Download our considerations guide today and take control of your facility's security.

  • Process Evaluation
  • Threats
  • Vulnerability Assessment Highlights
  • Electronic Security Systems Considerations
  • Site Considerations
  • Building Entrances and Exits
  • Common Functional Areas
  • Building Envelope
  • Utilities and Building Services
  • Building Systems

Download here >>

IN-HOUSE SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS magazine cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

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