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Workplace safety programs have never been more sophisticated, yet when something actually goes wrong, many still fall short. Organizations have invested heavily in prevention, from training protocols to compliance systems. But when an incident actually happens, many are still unprepared for the most critical moment: the response. There’s a growing disconnect between the protections employers […]
As the latest season of “The Pitt” wrapped, viewers watched a familiar pattern unfold: healthcare workers navigating not only high-stakes care, but sudden, escalating workplace violence. Nurse Emma Nolan is first grabbed during a tense interaction, then later attacked in a confined patient room with no ability to call for help. In a separate incident, […]
Workplace violence is often viewed as an HR, legal, or security issue. But long before a concern reaches those departments, the earliest signs frequently appear in the spaces facilities managers oversee every day. Because they move throughout the building, interact with staff and contractors, and understand the normal rhythms of a workplace, facilities teams are […]
As we enter 2026, it’s never been more important to empower and protect the healthcare workforce. Healthcare organizations continue to face persistent staffing shortages and high turnover while combating increasing levels of violence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare and social service workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury […]
Rising workplace violence, especially in healthcare and other client-facing sectors, points to a growing security challenge that demands facilities managers’ attention. According to recent research from Verkada and The Harris Poll, 82% of healthcare workers want their employers to increase security measures, with 77% reporting no improvements in the past year. While strong security has […]
With the holiday shopping season upon us, retail facilities are bound to get super busy. But are retailers doing enough to ensure their workers feel safe? According to new research conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) and in partnership with Verkada, more than half (52%) of retail workers say they are likely to […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. This piece was originally posted by sister publication EHSLeaders, which is hosting a webinar on workplace violence prevention on Dec. 8. Free registration is available here. Twenty-year-old Amber Czech, a welder at a manufacturing facility in Cokato, Minn., was recently killed at work. According to charges filed by the Wright County Attorney’s […]
University of Michigan Health-West has launched a K9 security program, introducing specially trained dogs and handlers who will enhance safety and bring comfort to patients, families, and staff. The new teams add another layer of protection while helping create a calm and welcoming environment for care. The K9 teams include Derek Karcher and Tukka, Isaiah […]
Violence in healthcare is a significant problem, with both physical and financial consequences. In 2022, the American Hospital Association (AHA) reported that nearly 17,000 hospital workers experienced nonfatal injuries or illnesses related to workplace violence that were serious enough to require time off. The AHA also recently reported that workplace and community violence is costing U.S. hospitals over $18 […]
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are in a unique position relative to active shooter threats and other types of workplace violence. As opposed to other types of critical infrastructure such as banks and factories that are tightly locked down under multiple layers of security, hospitals are generally open and accessible to nearly all members of […]