OSHA Calls Out Electric Vehicle Battery Maker for Exposing Workers to Safety Risks

As electric cars become increasingly prevalent, it’s important to scrutinize and highlight any potential security risks they may pose. This includes any risks faced by those on the manufacturing side.

Recently, the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) called out one specific electric vehicle battery manufacturer for exposing employees to dangerous levels of nickel and other mixed metals at a Georgia facility.

In January, the OSHA announced that SK Battery America Inc. would receive citations for six violations — this totals up to $70,000 in potential fines, according to a press release. The facility in Commerce, Georgia, exposed workers to “potentially disabling safety and health hazards,” the department announced.

Among the violations, the OSHA said the company exposed workers at the plant to “continuous noise levels” that went over "the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 A-weighted decibels.” This error resulted from the company failing to craft a noise-monitoring protocol and falling short of “establishing an audiometric testing program.”

Additionally, the employees at the facility who worked directly with nickel, cobalt, and manganese were exposed to “respiratory hazards” because the company did not go through with proper workplace hazard assessments. The department asserts that the company did not make sure that sanitary and disinfected respirators were provided to employees. Also, respirators on hand were not stored properly in a way that would shield the workers from “material contamination.”

The OSHA announcement also cited that the company didn’t make eyewash stations and emergency showers accessible to people who worked with these corrosive materials. Finally, they asserted that SK Battery America Inc. “left workers handling bags of nickel powder vulnerable to respiratory hazards by not providing feasible administrative or engineering controls to reduce exposure levels.”

In the OSHA release, it’s important to note that they acknowledge that SK Battery America Inc. “contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission."

In the release, Joshua Turner, OSHA Area Office Director in the Atlanta-East area, put the announcement in context.

"The lithium battery industry has experienced unprecedented growth, and with that growth comes a heightened responsibility to ensure the safety of those at the forefront of innovation. SK Battery America Inc. is well aware that materials used to produce lithium batteries can cause debilitating and permanent health issues,” he said. “OSHA's continued efforts to identify and remain vigilant to these emerging hazards is key in helping the industry understand how to eliminate employee exposures in the workplace. No employer should overlook the reality that is not just about advancing technology; it is about prioritizing the safety of your employees.”

Strategies for Creating Secure Public Spaces

It’s a challenging time for security professionals, both nationally and globally. A rise in horrific incidents like mass shootings and politically motivated attacks have made facilities that once felt safe — think schools, government buildings, and places of worship — sites of violence.

Spaces like hospitals and sports and entertainment venues are also frequently on high alert. Many public centers such as outdoor shopping malls and parks can make security challenging because they possess ill-defined borders, lacking an easily fortified perimeter.

Taelor Daugherty tackles the physical security challenges that these locations pose in a new piece for Security Magazine.

Securing a wide range of spaces that lack perimeters

Government buildings stand as one of the main categories. Daugherty points to the example of the 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, showing just how quickly a physical attack can spiral out of control.

She speaks with Mike Lahiff, CEO and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes, about how government buildings can best be protected. Lahiff describes the reality that while all security personnel stationed at these buildings are “tactically trained,” it is difficult to truly prepare someone for an “active shooter situation” until it happens in real time.

Another location where preparing for the unknown is key is the retail store. In the same way that federal and local government buildings see countless visitors in any given day, retail stores experience a constant wave of people making entrances and exits.

Theft and vandalism run rampant.

 “A retailer’s top priority is to keep its employees and customers safe. A multi-layered approach that includes security technology and private-public collaboration can help,” Scott Thomas, National Director of Signature Brands at Genetec, Inc., says in the article.

Open-air spaces like parks or sporting arenas pose even more complex challenges. These locations feature few walls, which can make it hard for personnel to cordon off a particularly vulnerable area.

“Securing open-air events or other large-scale outdoor public occasions requires a delicate dance between mobility, safety and security. Festivals want to ensure guests have a good time while remaining safe. This requires communication between multiple stakeholders. The event team, local businesses, government agencies and first responders can work together to create an environment of situational awareness, cohesive assessment, and response,” Phil Malencsik, Strategic Account Executive of the Public Sector at Genetec, Inc, tells Daugherty.

Collaboration is key

Daugherty stresses that park or venue staff regularly collaborate with local law enforcement officers. Police who routinely monitor an open-air space will be well versed in the logistics of how to secure the surrounding area and can be indispensable resources in preparing for the unknown.

That may be the key in all these scenarios — collaboration.

Whether a government building, a shopping center, or an open-air space, it is important that physical security teams work in tandem with law enforcement and other important stakeholders to ensure that those who visit, enjoy, and work within these spaces remain safe.

TSA Emphasizes Self-Defense for Crews in Push for Improved Physical Security

Much has been made in recent years of increased physical security risks that flight crews face in the skies. From belligerent passengers attacking flight attendants to technical malfunctions on planes to confusion over items some people include in their luggage, risks abound on today’s flights.

Last year, there was a very vocal push among flight crews to receive more self-defense training from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

That and other physical security improvements have been instituted at airports and on flights, Security Magazine reports. These improvements underscore just how crucial robust physical security protocols are for passengers and crews alike on today’s flights.

The TSA trained more than 5,000 air carrier crew members in proper self-defense measures. For crews hoping to take advantage of this program, the TSA has made sign-ups accessible through an online portal.

Underscoring how important this training is, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants union, told NBC News in 2021 just how threatening passengers have been on flights in this post-pandemic era.

“They’re treating us like punching bags, whether that’s verbally or physically, Nelson told NBC. “We have never seen this level of aggression or conflict on our planes and we really need some help.”

Outside of self-defense, the TSA has been making other physical security improvements.

In the Security article, the magazine points out that the TSA prevented 6,737 firearms from entering secure areas at airports and onboard aircrafts. One disturbing statistic — a high 93% of those firearms were loaded.

Additionally, the agency used 2,000 high-tech Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines to screen mobile drivers’ licenses and harness facial recognition tech. These machines are necessary for screening passengers’ credentials while also keeping privacy front and center.

Collaboration is also key. The magazine reports that the TSA has beefed up continued partnership with local, federal, and state law enforcement entities to respond in real time to threats. The report also reveals that the TSA performed 51 “various aviation-related security assessments throughout the nation” in 2023.

These statistics emphasize just how necessary fortified physical security protocols are for airports, aircrafts, and the workers and passengers who pass through and use them on a daily basis.

Just as physical security threats are becoming increasingly complex on the ground, the skies deserve just as much vigilance from security stakeholders in order to keep everyone safe.

Physical Security Goals for Faith-Based Communities are Issued by DHS

In this currently charged climate where physical security threats abound, people who are part of faith-based communities are particularly at risk. Nationwide, antisemitic and Islamophobic physical attacks are on the rise and have been directed at both individuals and larger community groups alike.

In December, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued resources to help faith-based organizations and community centers — including houses of worship — improve their physical security capabilities.

Joe Bebon reports on the new recommendations for Facilities Management Advisor. He writes that these DHS Performance Goals are similar to their 2022 Cybersecurity Performance Goals that were a call to action in the face of an escalation of cyber-attacks in recent years. Bebon explains that the new DHS resources are part of a collaboration between the federal department, its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and faith-based organizations around the country.

“In this continued heightened threat environment, the Department of Homeland Security is committed to protecting every American’s right to live, express, and worship their faith freely and in safety,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, said in a release.

The goals involve establishing clear security response plans, training staff and personnel who work at and serve in leadership roles in these faith-based communities and houses of worship, and devising strategies for how to keep everyone safe and secure after an attack takes place.

“This Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities is a clear, concise, and convenient tool that is outstanding for any religious organization seeking to establish performance goals and protocols for response,” said Ako Cromwell, Director of Global Security, African Methodist Episcopal Church. “While it is particularly useful for those of us in the faith-based community, the fundamentals delineated in this product are applicable across the spectrum for security professionals.”

Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Senior Policy and Advocacy Manger of the Sikh Coalition, added that threats targeting houses of worship in the United States are becoming “increasingly complex and widespread.” These include domestic “hate ideologies” that can spread through communities and online forums as well as threats that emerge from “transnational repression and geopolitical events,” he said in the release.

Much in the same way that schools and universities have become frequent targets for physical security attacks — including mass shootings — houses of worship are beloved centers for all kinds of communities that are experiencing all too frequent external, violent threats.

Schools, hospitals, and banks have to keep a strong physical security protocol in place. Now, houses of worship must also embrace security technology like cloud-based, Internet-connected systems overseen by vetted, trained staff. The safety of their community members depends on this.

Check out the full DHS list of recommendations here.

Healthcare Needs to Focus on a Centralized, Unified Approach to Physical Security

Healthcare centers are some of the most important facilities in the world.

They house patients who are being treated for serious illness and are receiving life-saving surgery. Their buildings also contain expensive, state-of-the-art technology and protect sensitive and important personal data.

It’s no surprise that these facilities are often major targets for serious physical breaches.

PBS NewsHour reports that "health care workers are five times as likely to experience workplace violence as other workers.” They cite statistics from the National Nurses United 2022 survey that found 40 percent of nurses said they’ve witnessed an increase in violent incidents.

In a new piece for HealthTech, Jonathan Karl, director of healthcare sales at CDW, and Josh Peacock, healthcare strategist for CDW, explain that health systems need to update their physical security protocols to address rising, ever more complicated threats.

They write that healthcare companies need to take a “more holistic approach.” This means making way for instituting centralized command centers.

Crafting a more centralized approach to security

“As care delivery becomes more encompassing of a patient’s well-being, an organization’s security approach should also become more integrated and provide visibility into all the parts that make it whole,” they write.

They point to HonorHealth — located in Scottsdale, Arizona — as one example. They said the organization supports “a network operations center,” which gives the security team the opportunity to stay on top of a wide range of surveillance cameras that proliferate through the system’s various buildings.

Once an issue comes up, the team can respond swiftly in real time.

While this is important, Peacock and Karl write that the next step is to “incorporate more predictive analytics into the video surveillance system to better support security staff.”

A common theme in any discussion around devising modern physical security strategies involves the pressing reality that cloud-connected, state-of-the-art devices must be implemented. From there, all staff must be properly trained and vetted.

Giving security staff more control

“A healthcare organization with multiple facilities or a sprawling campus may have disparate security teams and localized data feeds for cameras. A unified system would offer a better overview and improve coordination and response to incidents. This is especially an issue for ambulatory locations that may not have 24/7 coverage,” Karl and Peacock add.

They write that a centralized command center will give a healthcare company improved visibility and control — especially in the case of sprawling campuses that involve multiple buildings.

Having a central nucleus around which the rest of the security apparatus orbits means the team can efficiently connect with emergency services and police if the need arises.

The AI future

Finally, the two experts point to how artificial intelligence (AI) will only continue to complicate and improve healthcare security.

“The growth of artificial intelligence-powered tools in healthcare works as both a threat to security and an opportunity to improve defenses and cover skill gaps,” they write. “A central team can leverage AI to monitor data for tracking users and access that falls outside of an organization’s governance or baseline expectations.”

Retail Workers Worry About Their Physical Safety While on the Job

While e-commerce has dramatically changed how everyone shops, the winter season — marked by the holidays and an early January when people are shopping for must-haves for the year ahead — is still a very busy time for retail.

Petty crime, theft, and vandalism are big concerns for consumers and their sense of safety.

Those issues are even more pressing for the retail workers who are employed at everything from big chain stores to small mom-and-pop businesses.

A season marked by increased shopping activity brings with it safety concerns from the people employed by the retail industry.

A first-ever Motorola Solutions retail worker survey

Motorola Solutions released its first-ever report on “The State of Retail Worker Safety.”

It offers an eye-opening look at how personal physical safety stands central for retail employees as they head to work.

Motorola Solutions employed independent market research firm Researchscape. They surveyed more than 1,000 U.S.-based retail store managers and associates in November 2023.

The results? They found that petty theft has grown by 54% over the past year. That was followed by grab-and-run incidents at 35% and hostile customer interactions at 31%.

“As a result, nearly two out of three [retail workers] are at least somewhat concerned for their personal safety at work,” according to a press release.

“The holiday bustle can be a stressful time for retailers. Sales associates and managers shouldn’t have to be concerned about their safety on top of everything else,” Sharon Hong, vice president, Ecosystem Solutions at Motorola Solutions, said in the release. “Our report found that retail workers are looking for more technology that can help them be better aware of safety threats, spot illicit activity and communicate quickly and seamlessly with other employees and first responders should an incident arise.”

A push for more advanced physical security technologies in retail

When it comes to what technologies are at the disposal of these employees during an emergency, the report showed that somewhat analogue, out-of-date systems persist.

About 58% said they use landline telephones, 45% pointed to PA systems, and 28% said they “rely on yelling to inform coworkers of an incident.”

These workers did point out some of the more modern security technologies at their stores.

The survey shows 76% said their stores have video security systems, 64% mentioned alarm systems, and 44% said their businesses use merchandise sensors.

That being said, 42% declared AI tech that could “detect guns” would make them feel much safer.

Additionally, 36% said they would like to see access control systems that could lock doors in the face of a threat, 30% reported they would like to have wearable or mounted panic buttons, and another 30% said they would like to have license plate readers on hand to pinpoint vehicles tied to criminal activity.

About 26% said they’ve considered leaving the industry as a result of their personal safety fears.

“The retail industry employs tens of millions of Americans and contributes trillions to the U.S. economy each year,” Hong, concluded at the end of the release. “Technology, communication channels and preparedness training can help to create safer store environments for employees and shoppers alike.”

Ways to Keep Security in Mind During Holiday Travel Season

The holiday season is here and 2023 is about to come to a close. That means increased travel, contact with strangers, and exposure to personal security risks. Experts are saying that this will be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in recent memory, as post-pandemic behaviors return to pre-2020 normalcy.

Whether it be concerns over one’s health, finances, or physical safety, it’s important to keep security at the top of mind while enjoying the celebrations that come with the month of December and the start of the new year.

Fortune reports that nearly half of America plans on traveling between Thanksgiving and mid January. With so many people in flux, it means elevated personal safety and security risks.

Be safe on the road

One area people need to keep in mind is road safety. The American Red Cross details some recommendations travelers should keep in mind if traveling by car this holiday season:

• Inspect the car to know it is in good condition before hitting the road.

• Bring an emergency preparedness kit that includes first aid supplies.

• Notify friends and family of travel plans — this includes departure times, expected routes, and anticipated arrival times.

• Monitor the local weather reports before heading on the journey.

• Get enough rest to be sharp and alert during the trip.

• Put standard driving safety procedures in place, including buckling one’s seat belt. Also, this is important — do not drive impaired by alcohol or other substances.

• Respect road rules and exercise caution in school or work zones.

• Put the cell phone down to avoid distractions while driving.

• Take advantage of rest stops and rotate drivers during long trips if possible.

• If there’s car trouble, pull off the road as soon as possible and call for help right away.

Pay attention to air travel safety tips

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released its own guidelines for air travel safety.

The TSA reports it has “screened a record number of passengers this year and anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide to be busier than ever this holiday travel season.”

Here are the TSA recommendations for airport and air travel safety:

• Pack smart, which means making sure not to bring prohibited items through airport security — this could be certain foods and liquids. Head to TSA.gov for a list of acceptable items.

• Be sure to have appropriate ID on hand.

• Get there early, especially during travel days that will be busy. It’s recommended travelers arrive two hours prior to scheduled flights.

• Ensure all firearms are properly packed in a hard-sided and locked case in a checked bag — declare all firearms at the ticket counter during the check-in process.

• Prepare for new checkpoint screening technology that will be on hand. This includes 3D imaging of passengers’ bags.

• Call ahead to TSA Cares’s toll-free line — 855-787-222 — at least 72 hours before a flight with any questions about screening procedures.

Personal health tips for traveling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers public health recommendations for holiday travelers:

• Stay up to date on routine vaccinations, especially if international travel is a part of one’s holiday plans. Given that the holiday season converges with cold and flu season, be sure to get the latest COVID-19 vaccines and seasonal flu shot before traveling.

• Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher if traveling to a place where there will be risk of high UV exposure.

• Take steps to avoid bug bites — this could include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, and even bed bugs if hotel stays are included in holiday season travel. If a traveler gets a strange bug bite and starts experiencing symptoms of illness, contact a health care provider.

Additional personal safety precautions

Beyond travel-specific concerns, always be aware of one’s surroundings. When traveling to another country or a new place, Nationwide recommends checking “the State Department's website for country updates and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”

Additionally, Nationwide stresses that travelers make copies of important documents — think driver’s license or passport — before going on a trip. Save these online and keep multiple hard copies in case these crucial documents get lost or stolen.

Finally, always be wary of using public Wi-Fi connections. This is a prime way hackers try to access personal and financial data.

The holidays offer a period of rest, relaxation, and family reunions. They are meant to be celebratory, but just be sure to stay safe.

Modern Banking Requires Robust Physical Security

Perhaps no sector is more sensitive than the financial services industry. The data and financial resources protected by these institutions are incredibly vital, often the lifeblood of individual consumers and major businesses alike.

It should be no surprise that banks and other financial entities are major targets of cybercrime. While cybersecurity protections are often the focus today, it’s important to note that physical security must be prioritized as well.

In a new piece for Fast Company, Matt Tengwall, Senior Vice President & Global GM, Fraud and Security Solutions at Verint, outlines why it’s important that robust physical security defenses are put in place.

He points to the fact that banks and credit unions are experiencing substantial growth, which — while a positive development — attract unsavory security threats. By having strong security, banking institutions encourage confidence among consumers and business partners alike.

“The emergence of advanced digital technologies, growing bigger each day, offers a two-fold opportunity. On one hand, it facilitates easier system integration. Networked video surveillance platforms, for instance, can integrate with various digital systems, providing a unified security solution,” Tengwall writes. “On the other hand, the very reliance on these digital solutions necessitates fortified physical security to protect the hardware that drives them.”

While rapid digitization sometimes overshadows physical security programs, Tengwall explains that threats to actual buildings and banks are very real today.

“In a digital age, the nexus between the physical and the digital is more intertwined than ever,” he adds. “A breach into a data center, for instance, can jeopardize millions of records, translating into massive digital disruptions.”

Fintech solutions have become the key go-to innovative solutions for banks, but Tengwall rightly states they are supported by physical hardware. Examples include servers, data centers, and networking equipment. This physical infrastructure supporting digital products are all firmly targets for bad actors.

“Protecting these vital assets, which play an important role in maintaining client trust, is as crucial as securing the digital data they hold,” he explains. “So, while digital transformations offer unparalleled opportunities, they also necessitate a renewed focus on the age-old principles of physical security. Banks must recognize and act on this dual mandate to truly secure their future and that of their clients.”

It’s true, the digital age is here and there is no turning back.

New technology has made banking more efficient and accessible than ever. While embracing modern tech solutions is key for 21st century business, physical security can’t be left in the rearview. Instead, it must be prioritized and made central to any modern security policy.