Workplace safety is a continuous concern for employers and their employees. Many weeks bring new reports of workplace tragedy. They become so frequent, for many, they become a fact of life.
Disgruntled employees, unhappy customers, estranged employee’s friends and family, and even strangers, disrupt workplace safety. All too often, these incidents become deadly, turning into horrific attacks and shootings, like the recent Pennsylvania shooting deaths of two workers by a disgruntled former employee at a family linen business.
Assault is the fifth leading cause of workplace deaths and is behind tens of thousands of workplace injuries each year. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 2 million workers in the United States report having been victims of workplace violence each year.
Whether due to criminal interactions or worker-on-worker violence, the instances of aggression, threats, and physical assaults are alarmingly high–the impact long-lasting. Employers recognize the need for greater workplace security and are increasingly turning to technology to assist.
OSHA recommends that employers ensure that their workplace environment is secure and specifically recommend, “Where appropriate to the business, install video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems and minimize access by outsiders.”
Advanced technologies, like facial identification capabilities integrated with security surveillance systems, offer the promise of enhancing workplace security and preventing tragedy.
Long-term Impact of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence has significant long-lasting effects on employees and their organizations. For individuals, consequences often include severe mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These experiences can lead to chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and even physical health problems.
From an organizational perspective, workplace violence can lead to higher rates of employee turnover, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity. The financial costs are substantial, including medical expenses and legal fees. Moreover, pervasive feelings of insecurity and decreased morale can erode workplace culture, making it harder to maintain a safe, productive, and supportive work environment.
The Role of Facial Identification Technologies
Facial identification technologies offer employers the opportunity to enhance employees’ overall sense of security and identify threats before they occur by establishing and identifying people entering a workplace.
These technologies utilize advanced algorithms to analyze unique facial features, providing highly accurate means of authentication. They enhance access control, surveillance systems, and law enforcement efforts by quickly identifying individuals of interest.
Over the past several years, facial identification technologies have evolved significantly with the advancements of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the use of sophisticated algorithms to improve image analysis and facial recognition. These are revelations for enhancing security measures in various settings, including the workplace and healthcare centers. Leading-edge solutions include technology that is:
- Highly accurate for threat identification and authentication
- Enabled to provide real-time alerts to the law enforcement and other responders
- Scalable depending on need and security purposes
- Interoperable so they can be easily integrated with existing systems
- Easy-to-use before and during emergencies
Here are several ways the implementation of facial identification technologies can mitigate workplace violence:
- Access Controls: Facial identification capabilities can regulate access to sensitive areas within a workplace. By allowing only authorized personnel to enter specific zones via identity verification, the risk of unauthorized access and potential violence is minimized. The platform we’ve developed at SOS Technologies streamlines the process of adding or removing the profile of a terminated employee into our access control platform.
- Real-Time Threat Detection: Advanced facial identification technologies, like the systems we’ve created at SOS Technologies, can identify known offenders, individuals with a history of violence, or even those who are considered new or active threats. By integrating these technologies with well-placed security cameras, these systems provide real-time alerts to security personnel, enabling them to take preventive actions promptly.
- Enhanced Surveillance: A comprehensive threat surveillance system, with continuous monitoring, ensures that suspicious actors or behaviors are identified quickly, preventing violent incidents before they escalate.
- Visitor Management: Systems can streamline the process of visitor management by identifying and logging guests, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals are on the premises. This is crucial in preventing potential threats from external sources.
- Employee Sense of Security: Employees are often aware of the potential for onsite workplace security incidents. Surveillance can foster a sense of comfort and security among employees who recognize that measures have been put in place to protect them.
Expanding Your Capabilities
The integration of facial identification and surveillance into workplace security protocols is not a futuristic concept, but a practical solution to an urgent problem. Employers can significantly enhance their workplace safety by using advanced security systems. These contribute to a safer, more secure environment for their employees. In the face of workplace violence, leveraging such technologies is not only beneficial but essential for the well-being and protection of everyone involved.
Contact us at SOS Technologies to learn more about how our capabilities can improve the safety and security of your workplace.