Dear Reader: How can you prioritize your safety at work?

When a recent tragic mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan claimed multiple lives, including a member of New York’s finest, an NYPD officer, it hit too close to home. I know that lobby well, having previously worked in that building for several years as a recruiter, 345 Park Ave. — a prominent building with its own zip code.

While we may not want our minds to wander to think if we’re ever in a harrowing situation at our workplace or client location, preparedness is key. Troy McCanna, chief security officer and senior vice president of revenue operations, Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), said, “The goal isn’t to instill fear, it’s to foster readiness. Proactive planning, awareness and layered security measures can make all the difference.”

McCanna recommended that employers incorporate emergency response plans to include active shooter protocols in new hire onboarding and conduct mandatory quarterly safety drills that rotate scenarios to include fire, evacuation, shelter-in-place and active threat situations.

“Create a threat assessment team with HR, facilities, and security staff to routinely review vulnerabilities,” said McCanna. “Invest in intelligent security technologies, such as firearm detection, which can provide instant alerts before a shot is ever fired. Consider security personnel not just as guards, but as trained observers who know your people and property.”

As an employee, McCanna advised to always know your exits. “In a crisis, hesitation costs time. Save emergency numbers and procedures on your phone. Speak up — if something or someone feels off, notify HR or security immediately. Take every drill seriously. Practice is what saves lives during chaos,” said McCanna.

“Open communication matters. Employees should know there’s a process in place — not just to respond to danger, but to prevent it. That might include anonymous reporting tools, routine environmental reviews or workplace violence prevention strategies. True safety and security isn’t reactive. It’s intentional,” said Daniel Loo, principal consultant, North Star Group.

Stay alert and be aware of who is a main point of contact if something seems off. Dan Leporati, director of Risk Management for Engage PEO, said, “The policy in the workplace is the same as for traveling in airports: ‘See something, say something.’ The employer should have a primary contact in HR or Operations when employees have a security concern.”

Vicki Salemi is a career expert for Monster, an author, a speaker and consultant, TV commentator and former corporate recruiter. /Tribune News Service