Incidents of workplace violence are on the rise and frontline workers do not feel safe at work, according to a recent survey commissioned by the security management company, Verkada. The survey was conducted on a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Americans who work on-location in critical sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail that have regular contact with patients, customers, clients, or guests.

One in three workers said they have felt unsafe at work in the past year and 58% feel the threat of physical harm at work is increasing. 40% of respondents said they feel more concerned about their personal safety at work than they did a year ago.

69% of healthcare workers expressed concern about aggressive and erratic behavior by patients and 59% said they regularly worry about being physically assaulted at work. 54% of healthcare workers said they are likely to resign in the next 12 months if physical safety at work does not improve. The findings tie in with a recent National Nurses United survey where half of nurses reported an increase in workplace violence in the past year.

Employers were also surveyed, 76% of whom said they had experienced a security incident in the last year, with healthcare one of the worst industries with 4 out of 5 employers reporting a security incident in the past 12 months. 43% of employers said employee safety was a barrier to hiring and retaining workers, and 42% of healthcare employees said safety issues at work were contributing to the ongoing labor shortage. 46% of frontline workers said active shooter scenarios were one of the top concerns. Only one-third of respondents said they have received training on how to respond to these scenarios.

“Our research reveals a disconcerting picture for the frontline workforce driving our economy,” said Brandon Davito, senior VP of product and operations at Verkada. “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.”

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