Workplace Safety in Parking Lots

​Introduction

Workplaces across America are becoming increasingly unsafe due to violence and harassment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace homicides accounted for 9% of all fatal work injuries in 2019. Around 20% of all workplace deaths occurring in women, compared to 7.5% of all workplace deaths occurring in men.

In addition, there has been a rise in sexual assaults against employees. These crimes are not limited to large companies either. Smaller firms are experiencing similar rates of crime.

Parking lot safety

Now that businesses have implemented Return to Office (RTO) mandates, parking lots are again bustling with employee vehicles. These parking lots are one of the most dangerous environments for employees to navigate.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly three out of four parking lot accidents involve a physical injury. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly half of all workplace fatalities occur in parking lots.

Additionally, parking lots are often poorly lit, making them difficult to navigate at night. Many parking lots lack security cameras, meaning that if someone does attack a worker, they could easily get away.

Finally, parking lots are often located near busy roads, increasing the risk of criminals obtaining access to employee parking.

Employee safety during night shifts

While parking lots are generally safe during daylight hours, they become increasingly dangerous once darkness falls. Therefore, workers who work nights must take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

Employees working overnight shifts face unique risks while driving home after their shift has ended. They are vulnerable to crime and violence, including sexual assault, robbery, and carjacking. Researchers find that nearly half of all assaults occur between midnight and 6 am, and workers who work nights are twice as likely to be assaulted as those who work days.

Night shift workers are particularly vulnerable to assault and sexual harassment.

How physical security teams address these threats

A parking entrance solution helps deter unwanted vehicles but cannot control individuals from entering the parking area; therefore, the following technology solutions greatly help security teams looking to mitigate parking lot issues.

Installation of either permanent or temporary lighting solutions can help deter criminal activity and allow surveillance cameras to identify intruders better.

Security teams can establish clear boundaries around the parking lot and identify potential problem areas to develop a mitigation plan. They can create choke points that limit access to the parking lot and create visible deterrents at those choke points.

Train employees on proper precautions and encourage them to report any suspicious behavior.

Technology Solutions

Mobile Surveillance Systems (MSS)

Mobile Surveillance Systems are making a difference by allowing security teams to mitigate problematic or blind spots in company parking lots with high-resolution video monitoring and a host of additional best-in-class security components to help address potential threats.

KBC Networks mobile units are designed specifically for applications like parking lots. The open architecture has attracted fortune 50 companies who wish to leverage their corporate video surveillance standards. Tying each system into a larger video management system allows security professionals to see previously unmonitored areas in real-time and respond quickly to potential threats.

MSS units can be outfitted with best-in-class security components adding new capabilities for specific applications, and units can be quickly modified for new locations.

KBC Networks’ mobile surveillance systems (MSS) is a must-have solution for security teams for providing real-time monitoring of parking lots, allowing employers to protect their workforce 24/7.

Module Examples

  • Commend Public Address (PA) allows security teams to speak directly to intruders or employees around the MSS.
  • Video analytics record everything around the unit, including license plates of vehicles entering and exiting the lot.
  • Spotter Global Compact Surveillance Radar (CSR) units can be fixed to MSS with PTZ for either permanent or temporary monitoring. Security teams can leverage Spotter Global CK-series CSRs with PTZs to automate the identification of intruders and benefit from live tracking and zoom capabilities.

Light Pole-Mounted Security

KBC Networks PowerBox enclosures simplify the installation of IP cameras, wireless point-to-point kits, radar, intercom, and access control. Since most parking lots have light poles, a PowerBox can convert high voltage constant power to low voltage PoE power and include battery backup options to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Module Examples

  • Commend – Public Address (PA) speakers can be mounted on poles for emergency notification systems and announcements.
  • Spotter Global – Compact Surveillance Radar (CSR) units. CSR units can be pole-mounted using the KBC Networks PowerBox enclosures for permanent monitoring zones.
  • KBC Networks – Wireless Ethernet Systems (WES). Rugged outdoor wireless system exceeding 650Mbpz each way. Excellent Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint solutions for video surveillance.
  • Video Surveillance Cameras (fixed or PTZ)

Emergency Stations

Emergency stanchions throughout the parking lot create a visible security presence for people under duress, allowing them to communicate directly with security personnel.

Commend provides excellent terminals with strobe, allowing employees to communicate directly with security and report incidents for immediate response.

Implementing these best-in-class solutions for parking lots will help any organization improve workplace safety and help your organization retain employees. Our team is available to speak with you about any current or future applications to help you make informed decisions.

Thank you for reading.

Solutions Referenced within this article –

COMMEND: Unified Public Address, Stanchions, and Intercom Terminals.

KBC Networks: Mobile Surveillance Systems, PowerBox, and Wireless Ethernet Systems.

Spotter Global: Compact Surveillance Radar (CSR) units. More information can be found there regarding their capabilities.