Security guards can face all sorts of potential hazards in the line of duty. Sometimes, being the one standing between a potential criminal and your place of employment can be a daunting fact of life. It is important to recognize the common workplace safety hazards faced by security guards in California. Being a security guard can be a deadly job. If you are ever injured in a workplace hazard, you should speak with a work injury lawyer.
Common Workplace Safety Hazards Faced by Security Guards
Under California state law, any work-related injury must be reported to the injured worker’s supervisor within 30 days of the injury to seek workers’ compensation for that injury. This applies to security guards as well, who may face specific kinds of potential injury in their line of work. It is important to recognize these potential limitations and hazards. Here are some of the common workplace safety hazards that security guards in California may face:
- Physical Injury: Every job in the world comes with the potential for physical injuries. Security guards often walk around the complex that they are guarding, which leaves them open to physical injuries, such as slip and falls, trips, random electrical or fire hazards, and other structural dangers. In the event of a physical injury, a security guard may wish to file for workers’ comp if their injury is going to keep them out of work.
- Chemical Hazards: Some security guards may be hired to guard hospitals, factories, or other places with a significant increase in potential chemical hazards. There may be poisonous fumes, powerful allergens, parasitic toxins, or corrosive substances in the air. It may be important to understand these risks and identify them prior to accepting the job, as prevention could be instrumental to saving lives in these situations.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Not all security guards are going to be walking around a substantial complex. Some guards may have to sit quietly at a monitor for hours at a time. Sometimes, they may not move at all. Sitting in a cramped work area for hours without moving can cause blood clots to form as well as additional muscular pain from a lack of movement.
- Random Acts of Violence: The primary reason why security guards are hired in the first place is to defend a place of business from the possibility of theft or attack. If that does happen, security guards will have to prepare for a worst-case scenario that could cause them to be violently attacked by a would-be thief. There could be a deadly weapon involved; while many security guards are allowed to carry weapons, not all of them are.
- Dog Bites: Many security guards may also employ the use of guard dogs as an additional security measure in the event of a possible attack. It is vital that the guards are given proper training on animal handling and how to behave around specially trained guard dogs. Failure to adequately train everyone involved can lead to attacks by the very dogs that were supposed to be on their side. Guard dogs can be extremely dangerous and vicious, as is their training.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Hazards Faced by Security Guards?
A: Security guards can face a number of different kinds of hazards. Their job specifically makes them targets for possible assailants looking to break into the areas that are being guarded. This opens security guards up to random acts of violence by thieves and attackers. That’s one hazard that guards may be thinking about all the time. One of the more common hazards is random physical injury, such as a bad trip and a hard fall.
Q: What Are the Minimum Requirements to Become a Security Guard?
A: The minimum requirements to become a security guard in California are fairly straightforward. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Undergo a criminal background check through the FBI and the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
- Complete a 40-hour training course.
If you are able to complete all three of these minimal requirements, you should have no problem pursuing a career as a security guard. Certain companies may have additional requirements, however.
Q: Can I Become a Security Guard If I Have a Criminal Record?
A: Regrettably, no, you cannot become a security guard if you have a criminal record. In California, crimes of violence and felonies automatically disqualify you from holding a position as a security guard. If you have a record of nonviolent crime, the circumstances of your crime may be considered, especially if you have a clean record since and have been considered rehabilitated. Just be sure to fill out your application honestly.
Q: What Is the Most Important Quality in a Security Guard?
A: The most important quality in a security guard is punctuality. Be sure to always be on time, as your lateness can seriously impact the security of your complex or building. Being on time shows a consistent streak of professionalism but, in security guards, it is especially critical. Other important qualities include:
- Self-determination
- Motivation
- Attention to detail
- Alertness
- Great communication skills
After all, it is still a job, and you should reflect your company’s professionalism at all times.
Reach Out to a Work Injury Lawyer Today
Being a security guard can be a rewarding line of work that allows you to meet interesting people, feel valued in society, and make decent money in an exciting environment. However, the very nature of being a security guard may leave you vulnerable to certain hazardous situations. If you are ever injured on the job and wish to file for workers’ compensation, you may want to retain the services of a work injury lawyer who can assist you with your claim.
Diefer Law Group, P.C., can make sure that your workers’ comp claim is solid and ready to be filed. We can help you develop your case, protect your interests, and ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of throughout this process. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our team members today.
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