Did you know that workplace violence resulted in the death of 524 workers in 2022? This was a 9% increase compared to 2021. Unless urgent measures are taken, workplace violence will persist, and innocent lives will be lost.
One effective solution to ensure that workplace violence is reduced is the use of duress systems. This article will discuss duress systems, how they enhance workplace safety, and how they can be successfully implemented.
Understanding duress systems: What they are and how they work
Duress systems are specialized safety devices created in case a worker feels threatened. They are designed to be undetected and to secretly send a distress call to the police or security teams at work.
These devices have several key components that make them effective. One of these components is an activation mechanism, usually in the form of a discreet button. The button can be secretly placed on a wearable device such as a bracelet or activated using a mobile app.
Another vital component is the alert transmission component. This enables the device to transmit the distress signal using radio frequency or cellular network. Lastly, modern duress systems have data logging capabilities, meaning they record incidents for post-event analysis.
This has been made possible due to the advancement of technology. Today, duress systems integrate technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) for real-time monitoring.
Duress systems can come in various forms. These are:
- Panic buttons: These are placed in strategic locations such as private and reception desks.
- Wearable devices: These are in the form of compact gadgets such as wristbands or pendants.
- Mobile Apps: They enable users to share their immediate location and send out a distress call.
Why include duress systems in workplace safety plans?
According to research by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers should implement workplace violence prevention programs. In addition, they should put in place engineering and administrative controls to ensure workplace safety. Employers are encouraged to use proactive measures rather than reactive measures.
Duress systems are a proactive safety tool
One important proactive measure is using duress systems, which provide a discreet and immediate way of signaling for help. These systems are ideal for retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries, where workers face unpredictable situations.
As a proactive measure, employees who feel threatened can secretly call for help before matters escalate.
They empower employees and create a culture of security
Duress systems empower employees by fostering a culture of security. This increases productivity as employees feel more confident about doing their duties. In addition, businesses that implement duress tools have better brand equity than their competitors.
Factors to consider when selecting and implementing duress systems
There are several factors that businesses need to consider when installing and using a duress system. One of these factors is system independence and resiliency. This means the duress device must be a standalone system separate from the primary network.
An example is a system downtime due to scheduled maintenance or a network failure. In this case, the duress system should be separate from the main network to ensure employees are safe during this period.
In addition, standalone systems offer better privacy because they do not transmit data through shared platforms. This reduces security vulnerabilities such as data breaches.
Other factors to consider when selecting a duress system are:
HIPAA compliance
Businesses in the healthcare industry must ensure that the installed duress systems are HIPAA compliant. This is because violations of the HIPPA Act are costly. For example, if you willfully violate the act and fail to take remedial measures, the penalty can be as high as $1.5 million.
HIPAA-compliant systems should ensure privacy and protect user’s personal information from data breaches.
Scalability and adaptability
Lastly, the installed duress system should be adaptable and scalable depending on the organization’s needs. For example, if the business has multiple branches, the system should be able to operate in those branches without causing any downtime.
An adaptable system means it can meet the needs of different industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and education.
Training employees on duress systems: Best practices and response techniques
A duress system is only effective if employees are trained to use it. Training helps build confidence and improve workplace safety. It should be part of the onboarding process so that employees know the organization’s commitment to safety from day one.
If the organization uses different duress systems, create a clear operational manual for each device. For example, if it’s a panic button, clearly show where and how to activate it discreetly. If it is a wearable device, have a manual explaining how to wear it and activate it depending on different scenarios.
During the training, it is crucial to simulate real-world scenarios. The scenarios can vary depending on the circumstance. For example, simulations can be made on how to respond to aggressive customers and escape violent encounters. These trainings are necessary because they help employees remain calm and effective during real-life incidents.
Creating clear response protocols and fostering a safety culture
During the training, employers must create clear response protocols to be followed in case of a security threat. These should involve security teams and evacuation procedures. Employers should also have designated safe zones.
Lastly, employees should be encouraged to ask questions and report security incidents using the duress system. This creates a culture where safety is prioritized.
Overcoming challenges in implementing duress systems
Though duress systems enhance security, there are challenges associated with their implementation. One such challenge is the human nature of resisting change. People generally tend to be hesitant when adopting new technologies.
A solution to this is effectively communicating about the benefits of duress systems. In addition, employers should involve their employees in selecting the type of system to use.
Another challenge is budget constraints. Some of these systems have high upfront installation and training costs. In addition, the costs are higher when the business has a lot of people who need the devices. The best way to deal with this challenge is to opt for scalable solutions based on the circumstances.
For example, budget-constrained businesses can opt for strategically located panic buttons instead of buying wearable duress wristbands for every employee.
In conclusion, duress systems are ideal for ensuring workplace safety and combating workplace violence using a proactive approach. Employees can call for help when they feel threatened, enabling the security team to diffuse tensions before it gets out of hand.
Yasmine Mustafa is the CEO & Co-Founder of ROAR, a mission-driven safety technology company dedicated to protecting at-risk workers and empowering organizations to enhance staff security. Recognized for her vision to help create safer workplaces, Mustafa leads ROAR with a commitment to addressing the unique safety challenges faced by employees across various industries, including behavioral health and hospitality.