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Oil Refinery Improves Employees’ Security With Barracuda

 

Oil Refinery Purchases More Than 1,900 Units for Gulf Coast Facility

 

NEW HAVEN, CT/April 16, 2020 – National statistics indicate a significant rise in workplace violence over the past two decades. About two million people each year report some type of workplace violence, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and about 25 percent of workers will be victimized – resulting in $121 billion in annual losses due to workplace assaults.

More companies, however, are adopting measures to secure the workplace. A Gulf Coast oil refinery purchased approximately 1,900 units of The Barracuda, an intruder defense system that helps keep occupants safe in the event of an escalation of violence.

    Troy Lowe, who invented The Barracuda, said the company was revamping its security measures and took a proactive stance to protect its employees. “They liked the simplicity and durability of The Barracuda, as well as working hand-in-hand with our team at Silverback Safety & Training Solutions to help them make their workers feel more secure,’’ Lowe said.

    The Barracuda, manufactured by The BILCO Company, is an intruder defense system that securely locks any vertical door in seconds. The system does not require any maintenance or installation costs and is available for both inward and outward swing doors. The Barracuda has been effectively used in schools, businesses, churches and other buildings.

    The refinery purchased Barracudas that can implemented in 10 seconds in less for offices, conference rooms, break rooms and designated safe rooms. “They are also being utilized in higher security areas deemed as soft targets that required an extra layer of protection to deny access,’’ Lowe said.

    The majority of the refinery’s Barracuda units are the DSI model, which is designed for inward swinging doors. The refinery also purchased DSO models, which are designed for outward swinging doors and swinging vertical doors. The DCS Barracuda model, an additional level of prevention for scissor action door operators, is also available at the refinery along with some customized units.

    The increase in workplace violence has put workers on edge. Reports say 30 percent of respondents were “unaware or unsure of their employers’ Emergency Preparedness Plans for the most common types of emergencies,’’ according to Ravenmobilesafety.com. More than a third of women respondents were unaware of emergency plans despite workplace violence being the second leading cause of death for women in the workplace.

    Lowe said interest has escalated in businesses due to repeated tragic events. The Gun Violence Archive reported 346 mass shootings in 2017, compared to 270 in 2014. The shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md. on June 28, 2018, left five people dead and two more injured. One other concerning statistic is an estimate that 25 percent of workplace violence goes unreported.

    “With workplace violence being as predominant as it is, the refinery realizes this threat needed to be addressed,” Lowe said. “The company is taking proactive measures to mitigate the loss of life and damage incurred by potential attackers.”

A critical advantage to The Barracuda is the swift placement of the unit if an attack does occur. “In times of high stress, fine motor skills are lost and detailed tasks become next to impossible but can dictate the difference between injured and uninjured,’’ Lowe said. “The Barracuda is designed to provide the user with a fistful of steel and in a few simple motions provide themselves an additional layer of protection by only using gross motor skills.”

    The quick deployment of The Barracuda is especially helpful in light of an FBI study that found 70 percent of gun-related active assailant events last just five minutes. The device is an essential component to emergency preparedness plans.

    “Like many other employers, the refinery understands that the escalation in workplace violence requires forward-thinking and bold steps to protect the safety of their workers,’’ Lowe said. “Employees have communicated to our team that they are quite thankful their employer sees the value in purchasing The Barracuda to protect their workers.”

    For more information about The Barracuda, visit www.bilco.com or call 800-854-9724.

 

 

For more information about residential products from The BILCO Company, contact 1-800-854-9724.

 

About BILCO

For over 90 years, The BILCO Company has been a building industry pioneer in the design and development of specialty access products. Over these years, the company has built a reputation among architects, and engineers for products that are unequaled in design and workmanship. BILCO – an ISO 9001 certified company – offers commercial and residential specialty access products. Its basement access products are available through online retailers and major home improvement centers. BILCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmesburyTruth, a division of Tyman Plc. For more information, visit www.bilco.com.

 

About AmesburyTruth™

AmesburyTruth™ is a leading manufacturer of window and door extrusions, hardware, and sealing systems, which are used by leading window and door manufacturers throughout North America, for both residential and commercial markets. Based in Edina, Minnesota, the company has facilities throughout North America. The company is a subsidiary of Tyman Plc. (London Stock Exchange: TYMN). Tyman Plc, headquartered in London, is a leading international supplier of components to the window and door industry. Visit www.amesburytruth.com .

 

 

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