2023 Safety Trends: Preparing Your Organization for the Current Risks
Preparing your business, school, hospital or government agency for the year to come includes figuring out which situations present the highest risks. While COVID-related crises may be less relevant now than in previous years, other potential emergencies may become more frequent or impactful.
At Rave Mobile Safety, we help organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. We’ve analyzed emergency statistics to provide you with this list of 2023 safety trends. These are our predictions of the top threats that organizations, corporations and educational institutions will face in the coming year.
An increase in cyber threats
Cybersecurity experts predict that cybercrime will continue to increase in 2023. Malware, phishing and ransomware attacks threaten organizations and individuals, and there may be an increase in cyber attacks targeting supply chains.
Corporations and government agencies must take precautions to protect their data and infrastructures from cyber attacks. Even “minor” issues, such as unplanned outages, can impact productivity and threaten reputation. A comprehensive cybersecurity plan must include tools to communicate with on- off-site employees even during network outages. Additionally, organizations should train their employees to recognize and report phishing attacks and other cybersecurity threats.
More severe weather events
Meteorologists and climate scientists predict that climate change will continue to cause an increase in severe weather events in the U.S. and throughout the world. The rise in Earth’s temperature has already contributed to historically significant heat waves and droughts. Floods are also more common.
These “extreme heat events” are likely to become even more frequent and intense. Ongoing climate change may also contribute to other weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires and ecological disasters.
An increased frequency of severe weather can be devastating, especially in areas that are still recovering from previous storms, droughts or fires. Schools and corporations must prepare for frequent weather events by ensuring that facilities have adequate supplies and shelters.
Administrators should also prepare detailed response plans for severe weather and consider running drills for emergency events. Contingency plans should include preparations for employees to work from home when roads and buildings are unsafe.
Finally, local governments and organizations of all kinds should make sure that there are communication systems in place to alert residents of weather-related emergencies. Geo-targeted notifications help prevent confusion and disruption among recipients who are unaffected by the event.
Local impact of international events
As people throughout the world become more connected via the internet and the global marketplace, international events will have an increased impact on local communities. Illness outbreaks and political unrest in other parts of the world can affect supply chains, leading to local shortages and impacting multiple facets of life.
Political radicalization movements are becoming a bigger threat to communities across the U.S. Local governments and private organizations must prepare for violent attacks and interpersonal challenges. Administrators must develop plans to identify and respond to potential threats in businesses, schools and communities.
Additional public safety requirements
The COVID-19 pandemic identified many areas where organizations, schools and government agencies were ill-prepared to respond. Although the COVID threat will likely continue to diminish in 2023, it’s imperative for communities to prepare for similar crises that could affect public safety on a large scale. Healthcare organizations should continue to analyze and adapt their policies to respond to the ongoing challenges of a post-pandemic world and to prepare for the next potential outbreak.
Political unrest in the U.S. may also continue to rise in 2023, and communities must prepare to respond if demonstrations become violent. Private organizations, government agencies and local law enforcement should collaborate to develop response strategies that minimize panic and chaos.
Protection concerns for hybrid and remote workers
While many companies and agencies have transitioned back to on-site work, there are still countless organizations that employ hybrid or entirely remote workers. Most experts agree that remote work opportunities will increase in 2023. Schools have also implemented hybrid teaching systems to support students who need or prefer remote learning.
As such, it’s imperative for organizations to clearly define their duty of care when it comes to off-site individuals. Corporations need to make sure remote employees are receiving vital safety training and other crucial resources, such as mental health support. Schools must monitor remote learning spaces to identify cyberbullying and other issues. In all cases, organizations must provide essential information to off-site individuals as well as on-site employees and students.
Prepare for 2023 with help from Rave Mobile Safety
Every year brings a subtle shift in the potential threats that organizations face. In 2023, corporations, schools and agencies of all kinds must prepare for severe weather, cyberattacks and the potential ramifications of international events. Additionally, remote education and hybrid work models will continue to present new challenges to schools and businesses alike.
A reliable, comprehensive communication platform gives organizations the tools they need to keep their people safe and informed during any type of crisis. With tools like mass notification, two-way messaging and incident collaboration, Rave Mobile Safety helps organizations protect their people and operations every day. To learn more about our prepackaged communication tools or customization options, contact our team.
