Are Your Executives Safe? Six Things to Consider

By Karen Sturm

Following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Dec. 4, organizations of all sizes have begun asking more questions about security and protection.

Many are familiar with insurance products such as Directors & Officers or Executive Liability, which protect executives from potential lawsuits. But, what about protecting high-profile executives from physical assaults?

All organizations should be asking themselves two questions: Are we doing enough to protect our executives? How do we know?

A risk analysis is a good place to start. Here are a few things to consider.

Personal Safety and Security: Many high-profile executives – and even some whose profile is not national or global – spend a lot of time outside the office at events, meeting with clients and attending industry gatherings. Many may travel to meet with prospective clients or travel leisurely with family.

Does their job or high income make them a target?

Cyber: How much of an online presence do your executives have? How much personal information is too much to share? Are your systems and office locations protected against potential cyberattacks or unlawful entry?

Active Assailant: Active assailant events are becoming more prevalent and more intense. And they can happen anywhere – schools, businesses of all types, and public spaces. Nearly 2 million workers are victims of workplace violence each year, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Do you have a crisis management plan that involves training on how to avoid and handle such incidents?

Reputation Management: Are you monitoring online posts and internal sentiment about your company and its leaders? What is your overall reputation?

Mergers & Acquisitions: People typically do not like change. If your company is part of a merger or acquisition, it could cause anxiety for some. What should you be doing to ensure everyone involved makes a healthy transition?

Mental Health: About 20% of the American population suffers from a mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Do you know the warning signs of escalating behavior within your workforce?

The experienced team at Oswald Companies can take a deep dive into your potential risks – finding the weak spots and then creating a solid safety plan.

Please contact us below to embark up on a full risk analysis and safety planning.