How to Choose and Use Personal Safety Devices for Working Moms
For all the mothers working, here is essential information on ensuring your safety while on the job.
As we celebrate National Working Moms Day on March 12th, we reflect on the efforts of women who work tirelessly to provide for their families, whether within the household or in public service. Our goal is to ensure the safety of these mothers by addressing potential workplace safety risks and suggesting measures they can take to protect themselves.
Which forms of violence frequently occur at work?
Physical attacks and the prospect of violent actions constitute a significant proportion of workplace violence in the United States annually. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, nearly 396,000 assaults happen annually in workplaces nationwide.
What are the primary types of crimes that occur?
Robbery accounts for 85% of workplace violence fatalities in the United States. The National Crime Victimization Survey indicates that approximately 84,000 robberies occur in workplaces nationwide each year.
Which professions are more likely to encounter violence?
Occupations that involve direct interaction with the public or exchanging money are at a higher risk of experiencing workplace violence. Healthcare providers, delivery drivers, customer service representatives, and law enforcement officers are among the most vulnerable, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The healthcare and social assistance sector has an overall workplace violence incident rate of 8.2%, significantly higher than the average incident rate of 1.7% for other private industry occupations. In 2020, 20,050 workers experienced nonfatal workplace violence, with 73% of victims being female and 62% between the ages of 25 and 54. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 76% of incidents occurred in healthcare and social services.What steps can working mothers take to ensure their safety?
We're happy to provide some suggestions! Working mothers can take a few precautions to stay safe at work and in their everyday lives. Firstly, it's essential not to take safety for granted, even if they have never been a victim of violence or crime. Awareness is vital, not about fear, but rather understanding that violence can occur and taking steps to prepare for it.
Secondly, practicing situational awareness is crucial. This involves being aware of one's surroundings and paying attention to instincts, both at home, work, and out in the community. If something seems off while walking alone in a parking lot at night, leaving the situation and getting to safety as soon as possible is best.
Lastly, carrying personal safety devices is a potential option. Whether it's a personal alarm, pepper spray, or a stun gun, there are many non-lethal options for various lifestyles. However, it's vital to consider the pros and cons of each device and understand how to use and maintain it properly.