Director
Workplace safety in manufacturing isn’t just critical to a business’ operation; it’s foundational for success. Lengthy employee trainings, daily adherence to OSHA regulations, and rock-solid safety measures on the factory floor are fundamental priorities for any industrial business owner who wants to keep their operation in business these days.
But as uncomfortable as it may be to address, even the leaders at the most safety-conscious organizations in our field can overlook one potentially serious threat to the health of their employees and business as a whole: workplace violence. These situations can involve both verbal threats and physical attacks, such as an employee making intimidating comments to a colleague or one who lashes out and strikes another worker, vendor, or client.
Unfortunately, incidents of workplace violence are far more common than many of us might perceive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, acts of violence were the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States, and more than two million people reported experiencing some form of on-the-job violence in 2022. Thankfully, in the age of AI and cutting-edge developments in surveillance and security, business leaders have more tools than ever to protect their people, places, and assets from intruders or other threats.
Leveraging New Tech for Workplace Security
Integrated manufacturing security systems can help identify, mitigate, and potentially halt workplace violence. With real-time surveillance capabilities accompanied by the power to identify unwelcome individuals on company property and access to control measures and other threat detection systems, manufacturing leaders have new opportunities to invest in tech that will eventually lead to a more cohesive, multi-layered approach to security.
AI Surveillance Security & Monitoring Systems: We’re entering a new age of workplace monitoring where AI programs can bring a new level of effectiveness and accuracy to ensuring only authorized individuals are present at a worksite. These highly specialized software systems can detect unusual behaviors, unauthorized personnel, or the potentially dangerous misuse of equipment that could lead to workplace injuries or other operational disruptions.
Real-Time Incident Reporting & Communication Platforms: By investing in and implementing a more precise and secure workplace monitoring system, business owners can also receive up-to-the-minute insights into potential incidents at the workplace, such as security breaches or unsafe factory floor working conditions.
Access Control Systems: For the manufacturing sites with critically sensitive areas (i.e. chemical storage, proprietary technology, or high-value inventory), breakthroughs in access control are leaving behind the days of employee ID cards and ushering in more advanced manufacturing security methods that grant access based on a physical characteristic of that person — much like the fingerprint or Face ID systems seen on today’s best smartphones. This technology is referred to as biometric access control, which can do a great deal in stopping outside threats. However, with the technology still in its early stages, there are legitimate concerns in some cases regarding employee privacy and the potential for hackers to access protected company data.
Emergency Preparedness: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies allow manufacturers to train employees for emergency situations like workplace violence incidents. By uploading facility layouts and real-life scenarios into VR employee training programs for manufacturing security, organizations can practice evacuation routes, lockdown protocols, and de-escalation techniques. This is particularly useful in high-risk areas of the plant, such as where hazardous materials are present.
Supply Chain Security Solutions: The manufacturing industry relies heavily on a well-functioning supply chain. Violent incidents that impact the flow of materials, such as attacks or vandalism at distribution hubs, can disrupt operations. Predictive analytics and AI-based tools can be used to assess risks within the supply chain and provide real-time updates on potential threats. These systems can identify patterns, such as delayed shipments or unusual activity near critical infrastructure, and alert the proper employees so measures can be taken to avoid any significant disruptions.
Leaning On Experts To Build A Safety Culture in Manufacturing
While investing in the proper surveillance and security technology is a requirement in 2024, it also doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There are additional steps companies must take to ensure employees are set up for success, and for safety. Ongoing employee training sessions led by industry experts who specialize in ensuring workplace safety — from both inside and outside threats — are vital to building a safety culture and a security-conscious workforce.
Workforce Training & Insider Threat Detection: The most successful employee training programs for manufacturing are those that teach workers the warning signs of potential security threats to create a proactive approach to addressing issues. These early warning signs of violence are often seen via verbal threats, aggressive body language, or drastic behavioral changes. When business owners ensure they have a well-prepared staff, alongside new-age insider threat detection technologies, potential incidents are often identified and stopped before any acts of violence take place.
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Considerations: Regulatory compliance in manufacturing with OSHA guidelines and other industry regulations is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. Decision-makers must ensure that both human and technological strategies align with legal requirements to avoid liability and ensure regulatory compliance.
Pinkerton’s Human Expertise + Technology = A Secure Partnership
At Pinkerton, we understand that every organization has its unique challenges when trying to bolster workplace security and avoid violence inside and outside company walls. That’s why we approach each project case-by-case, with a tailored plan for every client. Our security assessments and workplace violence prevention plans prioritize rigorous access control and security both inside and outside the worksite
By combining up-and-coming technology with proven security strategies, organizations can better protect their people, places, and assets. Working with a trusted security partner like Pinkerton allows business leaders to take a proactive step to keep their employees safe and stay vigilant for potential threats.
