Spring 2002 Issue

Is Terrorism Our Only Security Issue?

The aftermath of September 11 terrorist attacks have caused security directors and managers around the world to re-examine and re-evaluate their security systems. Companies are beefing up existing hi-tech security systems and buying new ones for an increased sense of safety. When asked to identify the one type of security technology that will make the greatest difference, Security Magazine reported that video surveillance garnered the largest support with 24%. About 19% find electronic card access control systems make the greatest difference, while emergency communications gear pulled in the support of 15% of respondents. Two more security solutions - biometrics and physical barriers - received about 12% each in support, while 4% saw bomb and metal detection making an anti-terror difference.  Security Magazine's research also found a growing interest in bomb and metal detection as corporate mailrooms readjust their operations following the bioterrorism scare.

Unfortunately terrorism is on everyone's radar screen, but another prominent security issue seems to be the escalating threat of violence in the workplace. According to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) data, homicide has become the second leading cause of occupational injury death, exceeded only by motor vehicle-related deaths.  This problem has escalated so much that it is now making a major impact upon the productivity and revenue of manufacturing as a whole. Workplace violence results in hundreds of deaths, more than a million injuries, and billions of dollars in costs every year. Many manufacturers are scrambling to put training programs in place, create crisis teams, screen employees more thoroughly before they are hired, and increase security. Many companies have realized that it's more than implementing hi-tech security systems. In order to win the fight against "this terror" there must be total collaboration and participation from the executive and departmental levels to the individual employees. It is absolutely critical that employees recognize signs of violence in the workplace and understand how to act accordingly and appropriately.

What are the common characteristics of persons prone to act out with violence?

• A pattern of paranoid beliefs or irrational ideas
• Frequent use of verbal or other types of threats
• Intimidation of others as a matter of practice 
• Threats to harm self or property
• Fascination with weapons or acts of violence
• Blaming others for his/her problems
• Romantic obsessions
• Unable or unwilling to accept no to their suggestions or ideas
• Evoking fear among co-workers or supervisors
• Dramatic changes in mood or beliefs
• Displays of anger or rage
• Excessive stress at home or on the job
• Inability to accept criticism
• Feeling of victimization by agency or the "system"
• Chronic illness or attendance problems at work
• Violence toward animals
• Lack of concern for safety or the safety of others

In addition to recognizing the risk factors involved with workplace violence, employers can make the working environment more secure by implementing key prevention strategies. The most obvious strategy is controlling the physical environment by increasing the visibility of lighting; installing access control features such as closed-circuit cameras, alarms, two-way mirrors, card-key access systems, panic doors locked from the outside only, and other hi-tech security features. Providing security guards to screen people and to restrain people when needed is also a very necessary preventive method. Thirdly, there must be specific policies and procedures for reporting threats and violence. Effective reporting mechanisms allow supervisors to track and assess threats, provide guidance on recognizing the likelihood of violence, suggest methods of defusing violent situations before they escalate, and provide specific instructions on how to use various security devices such as alarms. In order for these processes and procedures to be carried out successfully, there must also be training and education. 

Lastly, there must be counseling available for victims, families, and co-workers. It's important to note that workplace violence ranges from physical and verbal assault to sexual harassment and even homicide. It's absolutely essential that there is a counseling mechanism in place to help everyone cope with these crimes. Workplace violence is almost never a surprise. At least one person other than the perpetrator knows something is about to happen, and more often, several people know. Workplace violence affects everyone personally and every aspect of business, including productivity and operations. Preventing workplace violence requires all employees and employers to work together to implement a proactive prevention plan.