Survey of frontline workers reveals ‘disconcerting picture’ of on-the-job safety

San Mateo, CA — Nearly 2 out of 3 frontline workers don’t feel safe on the job, results of a recent survey show.

Researchers commissioned by security management company Verkada conducted an online survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. employees who work on-location across critical sectors, including health care, retail, hospitality and services.

Among the respondents who reported not feeling “completely safe,” 58% indicated that the threat of physical harm is on the rise, and 40% said they’re more concerned about their safety now than they were 12 months ago. Around 40% of the respondents said they would quit their jobs right now over safety concerns but can’t afford to do so.

Other key findings:

• 69% of the respondents in health care worry about aggressive or erratic behavior from patients or visitors, while 59% regularly worry about being physically assaulted.
• 58% of the workers in retail are concerned about aggressive or erratic behavior from customers, and just as many are concerned about theft. Nearly half of this group said thefts and acts of vandalism have increased.

“Our research reveals a disconcerting picture for the frontline workforce driving our economy,” Brandon Davito, senior vice president of product and operations at Verkada, said in a press release. “Our nurses, teachers, cashiers and so many other workers who serve in critical roles interacting with the public are worried about their safety every time they show up to work. As employers, policymakers and public safety leaders, we need to address these alarming trends and ensure that the safety of our people is the top priority.”