Stay Safe at Work | Mace®

To All the Working Moms Out There: Here’s What You Need to Know About Staying Safe at Work

March 12th is National Working Moms Day, which got us thinking about all the women out there, working hard for their families. Whether it’s working in the home or out in the community, we want to help keep moms safe. Let’s explore some of the personal safety risks in the workplace and how working moms can protect themselves. 

What types of violence are most common in the workplace?

Assaults and threats of physical violence make up a large portion of the total workplace violence in the U.S. each year. About 396,000 assaults happen in U.S. workplaces annually, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. 

What kinds of crimes are most common?

Robbery accounts for 85% of workplace violence deaths in the United States. Approximately 84,000 robberies happen at workplaces across the nation every year, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. 

What occupations experience the most violence?

Workers who have to exchange money or directly interact with the public are the most at risk when it comes to workplace violence. Healthcare providers, delivery drivers, customer service, and law enforcement are most at risk, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Healthcare and social assistance workers have an 8.2% overall workplace violence incident rate. For comparison, other private industry occupations have an average workplace violence incident rate of 1.7%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20,050 workers experienced nonfatal workplace violence in 2020. Of those victims, 73% were female, 62% were aged 25 to 54, and 76% worked in healthcare and social services.

What can working moms do to stay safe?

We’re glad you asked! There are several things working moms can do to be safer in their daily lives, including time spent at work. First, don’t take safety for granted, even if you’ve never been the victim of violence or crime. Violence can and does happen, even in the workplace. Having this awareness isn’t about being paranoid or afraid. It’s about recognizing what can happen, and then taking steps to be prepared. 

Next, practice situational awareness. Situational awareness is being aware of what’s happening in your environment—at home, at work, and when out in the community. It’s also about paying attention to your instincts. If you’re walking in a parking lot alone at night and see something that doesn’t feel right—get out of the situation and get to safety as soon as possible. Always listen to what your instincts are telling you.

Last, but not least, consider carrying personal safety devices. Whether it’s pepper spray, a stun gun, or a personal alarm, there are less lethal options for nearly every person and lifestyle. Whatever you choose, it’s important to understand the benefits/drawbacks—and how to use and maintain it properly. Our website offers a variety of resources and how-to-videos to help your cause.

Get More Smart Safety Advice

Explore our collection of articles focused on personal safety from the experts at Mace. We want everyone to be prepared and stay safe out there.