Occupational Hazards that Affect Security Officers
Security officers are a necessity for protecting people, private assets, commercial and residential properties. Professionally trained security guards are an effective deterrent to potential crimes and other problems. As a result, there are several dangers that security officers face that is an inherent part of their jobs.
At Nationwide Investigations & Security, Inc., we train our security personnel to know the potential risks and hazards that are common to the profession. Extensive training limits risk for ourselves as a corporation, any potential liabilities on part of our clients, and most importantly, risks to the personal safety of our invaluable security staff.
Security Guards Work Directly with the Public
Over sixty percent of all security guard deaths are the result of some form of assault. Security guards are on the scene before police officers arrive and are often the first line of defense. This puts them in a vulnerable position because not all security guards are commissioned to carry guns and may not always be prepared to deal with certain types of threats adequately.
In fact, statistics demonstrate that police officers incur more injuries on the job. However, security guards are more likely to die from the injuries they sustain.
These deaths and injuries usually occur during burglaries, run-ins with irate customers, and trespassers.
The time of day, as well as the day of the week, are often factors contributing to the safety of security officers.
Overnight shifts, as well as weekend shifts, have been documented as the most dangerous shifts for security guards to work. Even the stress of various work conditions can often lead to overexertion and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Security Guards are Exposed to the Elements
Many security officers are required to patrol a property physically; even when it snows, rains and when temperatures dip below freezing. Working in these conditions can create a climate ripe for accidents. Many injuries sustained by security guards result from car accidents, slips, and falls that take place during inclement weather conditions, or in less than ideal work environments.
Even during Summer months, prolonged exposure to the elements can result in dehydration, sunburn, and even heatstroke.
Security Guards are Exposed to Environmental Conditions
Depending on where a security officer is stationed, be it medical facilities, factories, warehouses, and other similar commercial properties, hazards such as bio-hazardous waste, dangerous chemicals, and other factors could pose a threat to the health of the security guard.
Even when chemicals or other hazards aren’t a threat, malfunctioning machinery, accidents, and other human errors can create unsafe conditions. The risks faced by security officers on the job range from minor to deadly. However, security officers are forced to observe their surroundings and risk factors at all times to prevent harm to themselves, property and others.
Although most of the occupational risk factors that affect security officers are minor, the potential for serious harm, injuries, and even death are always present. Nationwide Investigations & Security, Inc. is keen on training our staff to understand the fundamental risk factors they’ll face while on duty.
As an OSHA-certified independent safety inspection agency, we know a thing or two about on-the-job safety. Our operatives are consistently trained for the purpose of learning all the risk factors unique to their particular security guard position and duties.
If professional security guard services are needed for a commercial, industrial, or residential property, contact our management team at your earliest convenience. Click here to contact us.
