A deadly shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan has sparked renewed conversations about workplace safety nationwide, highlighting the need for practical, awareness-driven security measures. Security expert Patrick Timlin, CEO of SilverSEAL Corporation, has emphasized that fear-based training and expensive gadgets are not the answer—instead, employees must focus on awareness, consistency, and preparedness.
The incident at the Manhattan skyscraper, which resulted in multiple fatalities, underscored the risks faced by office workers across all industries. Timlin, a former law enforcement and private security professional, urged companies to move beyond the ‘paranoia’ mindset and adopt a ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ approach tailored to each office environment.
Timlin stressed the importance of understanding office layouts, knowing exit points, and being familiar with emergency procedures. He warned that many employees, even in corporate settings, had little knowledge about their own workplace, leaving them vulnerable in a crisis. According to Timlin, a basic understanding of the office environment is critical for effective safety planning.
He advised companies to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and create tailored security plans that address specific workplace needs. Rather than investing in unnecessary gadgets, Timlin encouraged organizations to focus on free, easily implemented measures like securing doors and training employees in simple, practical actions.
Recent high-profile workplace shootings—including the attacks on a UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2024, a Walmart employee in 2022, and a bank staff in 2023—have shifted corporate safety strategies toward more proactive and measurable approaches. Timlin urged businesses to treat workplace safety as an ongoing, evolving process rather than a one-time project. With preparation and awareness, he argued, employees can feel empowered, not fear-stricken, in the face of potential threats.