A new survey from Florida-based EMCI Wireless reveals that American workers are redefining workplace safety, expanding beyond traditional concerns like yellow warning signs and high-visibility vests. According to the report, safety now encompasses “trust, mental well-being, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.” While physical injuries, fires, and accidents remain relevant, health outbreaks—likely amplified by the lingering impact of the Covid pandemic and ongoing discussions about flu outbreaks and vaccine access—top the list of worker concerns.
Top 10 Workplace Safety Concerns
The survey outlines the following top 10 safety concerns for American workers:
- Health outbreaks
- Mental health crises or burnout
- Physical injuries on the job
- Cybersecurity threats
- Fire or building emergencies
- Toxic workplace culture or emotional hostility
- Natural disasters or extreme weather
- Hostile political or ideological conflicts
- Workplace sexual harassment or misconduct
- Workplace violence
Generational and Gender Differences
Industry news site Supply & Demand Chain Executive highlights that generational and gender differences shape safety priorities. For Gen-Z workers, physical injuries and mental burnout are the top concerns, reflecting their emphasis on work-life balance and rejection of traditional workplace norms. Women, meanwhile, rank burnout as a more significant risk than men do.
Alarming Statistics
The survey uncovers troubling trends for HR and safety managers:
- 46% of workers worry about potential violence from co-workers.
- 1 in 4 workers have accepted dangerous tasks due to fear of job loss.
- 43% of workers have taken time off due to burnout or stress, and 25% have quit jobs for these reasons.
- 63% of Gen-Z workers think about quitting due to burnout at least a couple of times a month, compared to 47% of all workers.
Younger workers also report feeling less secure due to social and political shifts. Specifically, 13% of Millennials and 14% of Gen-Z workers have observed a decline in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, contributing to feelings of insecurity. This aligns with a May survey reported in Teen Vogue, which underscored Gen-Z’s focus on mental health, work-life balance, and DEI.
Attitudes Toward AI
The survey also explores workers’ views on artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Opinions are split, with roughly half supporting greater AI adoption and half opposing it. However, 20% strongly support AI for enhancing workplace safety, and 30% back its use for emergency alerts or warnings.
Rising Workplace Aggression
The data supports reports of increasing workplace aggression nationwide, which is driving turnover, particularly in healthcare. This underscores the urgency for companies to address these evolving safety concerns.
Key Takeaways for Employers
The broadening scope of workplace safety concerns should prompt company leaders to reassess and update their safety guidelines. By addressing workers’ top concerns—such as health outbreaks, mental health, and toxic workplace culture—employers can demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being. The report suggests that proactive steps, including listening to employee concerns, fostering open communication, and investing in comprehensive safety policies, can enhance employee engagement and retention, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.