Survey: U.S. workers feel secure despite lack of access control

An overwhelming number of Americans feel safe at work despite the fact that many businesses lack basic entrance security measures, according to a survey recently conducted by Zogby Analytics for The Marlin Company, a Conn.-based provider of workplace communications software.

The survey, dubbed "Attitudes in the American Workplace XV," polled 751 American workers by phone earlier this summer and found that 94 percent of respondents felt safe and secure in their work environments. However, 42 percent of workers polled said that anyone can walk into their building unchallenged.

"Companies are turning a blind eye to serious threats of violence," Frank Kenna III, president of the Marlin Company, said in a statement. "In the East and in the South, roughly one-third of workers say that anyone can walk into their buildings. In the Central/Great Lakes region, the percentage is 54, and in the West, 44. And in terms of type of occupation, the lowest was 33 and the highest was 65. We’re not talking just restaurants here – it’s everywhere."

Despite the alarming lack of access control, only 19 percent respondents indicated that their company did not have adequate security measures in place.

"It’s almost a cliche that everyone says they feel safe until someone who is after money, drugs, domestic revenge or who is grossly impaired comes in, perhaps with a weapon, and causes a tragedy," Kenna added. "Even simple assaults can cause debilitating injuries, not to mention emotional trauma. And they can be costly, personally and in terms of your business. Logically, if 42 percent say that anyone can walk in, virtually 42 percent have inadequate controls."