Protecting People at Work: What You Don’t Know about Safety and Security Could Hurt You

Keeping employees safe and secure at work may seem like a daunting task; however, it is part of the responsibility of all employers to take proper precautions to protect employees from things such as workplace violence, identity theft and disgruntled coworkers.

According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 10 percent of all fatal work injuries are due to workplace violence. And that's just one aspect of safety and security at work. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration website and they offer information on well over one hundred topics; everything from anthrax and bioterrorism to wood dust and substance abuse.

Because of the wide variety of state and federal laws that relate to safety and security on the job and because an employer's responsibility is governed by where you live and the type of industry in which you work, it would be difficult to cover every topic. However, here are some of the more significant areas of workplace safety and security that employers and employees should understand.

General Workplace Health and Safety

Basic workplace health and safety generally requires employers to provide things such as an Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP), an ergonomics program (to minimize repetitive motion injuries), safety training, a workers' compensation program and restrictions on smoking in the workplace. In addition, most employers include guidelines about appropriate work behavior in the form of a Rules of Conduct policy in their employee handbook.

If you have not already been informed of your employer's health and safety policies and programs through a new hire orientation or on-boarding program or via safety training or other company communication, you may want to ask your human resources department about what your organization is doing to protect you and your fellow coworkers.

Security and Workplace Violence

Most employers these days have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence. Workplace violence usually covers security threats such as theft and violence, how to handle strangers on company property, and how to report suspicious activity at work.

If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to take all reasonable measures to protect your employees from workplace violence. This may include hiring security guards, notifying police about a potentially violent situation or devising a security plan with specific steps that employees can take to protect themselves. These steps might include having 911 on speed dial, having a well-trained emergency response team, and knowing local resources for things such as legal aid, trauma specialists and a TRO (temporary restraining order).

Violence Against Women

Although workplace bullying and domestic violence may occur against men, these two acts of violence are more frequently perpetrated against women. In fact, women are most often on the receiving end of workplace abuse. And, according to the Workplace Bullying Institute, workplace bullying is more prevalent in today's workplaces than sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

As for victims of domestic violence, some states require that employers allow workers who are victims of domestic violence time off from work to obtain a TRO, crisis counseling, medical care, safety planning or relocation.

Whatever the workplace issue, employees need to know and understand their rights. If you are on the receiving end of any type of violence, on or off the job, be sure to ask for assistance through your supervisor or human resources department.

Employee Confidential Information

Employees provide a lot of personal information when they go to work for an employer. And it is the employer's responsibility for keeping this private information private.

Governed by state and/or federal law, some of the confidential information that is protected from unauthorized disclosure includes:

• Medical information (see our companion article on HIPPA)
• Social security numbers
• Personnel records
• Credit information 
• Illiteracy
• Criminal records

Employers are responsible for knowing which state and federal laws govern their obligations and liabilities with regard to this information. And employees should make sure that their private information is being properly handled.

Employers and employees each have a lot to consider when it comes to safety and security at work. And being prepared in advance by knowing your obligations as well as your rights can help you protect yourself and others at work.