Doomsday didn’t happen. For all the concern many security dealers have shown in recent years — particularly about the rapidly changing residential market — all indicators seem to finally point to what was always the hope in the midst of the fear: that all the new entrants, technologies and business models would start to grow the pie for all.

When asked about their biggest challenge in the coming year, security integrators and manufacturers alike often say the same thing: attracting workers.

Security professionals reveal their thoughts on the security, monitoring and smart home markets.

Once relegated to simple locks and card reader panels, access control is assuming a starring role in overall business operations.

Customer demand for smart home security systems grew during the pandemic, and with more integrated conveniences available than ever before, shows no sign of slowing down.

Although the industry remains subject to supply chain disruption, a precarious labor shortage and other headwinds, multiple growth factors are creating a lot of overall positivity across the fire alarm systems marketplace. 

Despite continuing battles with the supply chain, spiking inflation and other obstacles, the video sector remains on a robust, upward trajectory. 

After finishing 2022 with a respectable recovery from pandemic upheaval, the fire alarm industry is expected to carry strong momentum through this year and beyond.

Collectively, the SDM 100 security dealers grew their RMR 4.2 percent, from $618 million to $643 million last year. Among the top 100 there were 88 dealers who individually improved their RMR rate in 2017 over 2016.

IoT, DIY/MIY, cyber security, active shooters — SDM 100 dealers talk about the issues that will have the biggest impact, either positive or negative, on their businesses this year.

If there is one word that could describe 2020, both in life and for the top 100 security dealers, it is unpredictable. Following several years of growth — and a very strong 2019 — SDM 100 companies found themselves on slippery ground beginning in March 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Birmingham, AL – An Alabama roofing contractor was sentenced to three years of supervised probation and 30 hours of community service for lying to OSHA about providing workers with fall protection equipment.

Philadelphia – In a rare criminal conviction for a safety violation, a roofing company owner has pleaded guilty to lying to OSHA and willfully violating an OSHA rule in connection with the death of an employee.

Silver Spring, MD – The Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR), together with the Roofing r2p Partnership and the RF Radiation Work Group, have developed the Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation Awareness Program for the Construction Industry, intended to inform employers and labor organizations about the risks of radiofrequency radiation.

Several garments in the GloWear Hi-Vis Apparel Line are now available in an extra-small size.

The SVL1 is an ANSI Type R Class 2 contoured safety vest that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 requirements.

The Jetstream Athletic Shoe has a CarbonMAX nanotechnology safety toe that provides heavyweight protection while feeling so light and comfortable that you forget you’re wearing a safety toe.

GloWear High-Visibility Shirts provide comfort, compliance and visibility in a single garment – eliminating the need for a high-visibility vest – and are designed to withstand the elements.

The Job Sight FR apparel line consists of products that conform to the ANSI 107 standard for high visibility and flame resistance, along with the ASTM F1506 standard for flame- and arc-resistant apparel and NFPA 70E.

Arlington, VA — The Stand Down to Save Lives, set for May 17, is an “opportunity for mine owners and operators to share safety measures that can prevent injuries and deaths.”

Washington — Forklift safety and operator training will be in the spotlight June 13 as part of the 10th annual National Forklift Safety Day.

Washington — “We want all forklift operators going home after each shift without injury. That’s the ultimate objective.” Chuck Pascarelli, chair of the Industrial Truck Association, made the remark June 13 during a National Forklift Safety Day event at the National Press Club.

Washington — Construction workers who operate dump trucks or work nearby are at risk from “multiple hazards, including struck-by, tip-over from loss of vehicle control, crushing, electrical and falls,” NIOSH says.

Portland, OR — Spurred by five vehicle operator deaths between 2019 and 2022, a new hazard alert offers best practices for protecting roadside workers and stranded drivers.

Itasca, IL — The Journal of Safety Research is offering free access – through February – to a special issue featuring select papers from the National Occupational Injury Research Symposium.

Boston — “A future with more frequent and severe storms” has heightened the urgency for protecting workers from injuries caused by falling tree limbs, a new safety alert states.

The Memphis Orange Kevlar 9178NFO features patent-protected, high-visibility orange DuPont Kevlar-engineered yarn.

The 4552 Glove provides superior defense against oils, dirt, grime and grease, as well as abrasion protection with optimal long-lasting grip.

Arlington, VA – Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors will be visiting mines to conduct “walk and talks” with miners and mine operators, the agency has announced.

Baltimore – Chronic violators have declined and industry compliance has improved in the mining industry in the past five years, but a recent increase in fatalities at metal/non-metal mines is a concern, Mine Safety and Health Administration chief Joseph A. Main told audience members March 16 at the annual convention of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Arlington, VA – A new safety initiative from the Mine Safety and Health Administration aims to protect miners at a time of the year when they need it most.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released a safety alert in response to seven stockpile incidents involving dozers in 2015.

Arlington, VA — Prompted by a fire on a diesel-powered water car in May, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert addressing fire hazards associated with diesel equipment in underground mines.

New York — In response to growing safety concerns among female and gender-nonconforming journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists has published a collection of resources to help combat work-related physical threats, online harassment and other dangers.

Sacramento, CA — Workers involved in setting up, tearing down and operating live events at public entertainment venues will now be required to receive specified occupational safety training and certification, under a new California law.

The Marketing Madmen explain the importance of email marketing.

MxV Consulting LLC is launching Momentum Security Training, an online, context-based education platform serving the physical security industry.

Group337, a team of experts focused on activating the companies, brands and people in the security industry through insights, intuition and ideas, announced a partnership with Momentum Security Training, an online, context-based education platform serving the physical security industry and its users. 

Vigitron, a provider of networking solutions for security applications, has established a library for security-based network applications.

This year’s keynote presenters include five high profile individuals who are widely-respected for their professional and lifetime achievements.

Students in the university’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence program will become members of SIA, gaining access to the association’s learning, development and career resources.

End users need help with technology management. It’s a function they’re often ready and willing to outsource, including the tracking, monitoring and managing of security devices, and more.

Xcelerate provides services on an outsourced, or fractional, basis. Fractional sales leadership offers a cost-effective solution, allowing security companies to affordably access experienced sales executives with a proven track record of success.

NFPA 70E 2015 has eliminated the prohibited approach boundary and made some changes to the shock hazard boundaries. How will this impact my facility?

What are electrical safety hooks, and how do they work?

What are the differences among EH, SD, CD and DI ratings on footwear?

I’m creating a training program for my electrical workers. What do you recommend as best practices to keep them safe from arc flash incidents and other electrical hazards?

How can the “silver tsunami” lead to an increase in electrical safety?

What considerations should be taken into account when adding electric vehicles to a fleet?

What are the differences between EBT and ATPV?