AI-powered risk mitigation and threat detection technologies are becoming increasingly important components of a facility’s comprehensive safety strategy.
When overlaid with existing video surveillance systems, the threat detection software continually monitors live digital security camera feeds to detect threats in real-time, providing a constant shield of protection.
These platforms don’t just identify risks; they proactively protect against danger from day-to-day hazards, including slipping hazards, fallen persons, trespassing, and unauthorized vehicles, as well as more critical incidents such as weapon detection and violent acts.
Although it’s important, risk mitigation and threat detection software is just one aspect of a facility’s layered security solution, which needs three key capabilities from their overarching communication and security solution: 1) detect potential or active problems, 2) inform the right people instantly and effectively, and 3) manage incidents to a successful resolution.
Achieving those goals requires a robust solution that includes a mass notification or reliable and modern public address system, video surveillance coupled with AI machine learning risk mitigation software, and a central platform to automate announcements, instructions, and support response plans once threats are identified.
The seamless integration of these systems can enhance situational awareness, improve response times, and provide real-time information to keep onsite personnel safe and notify first responders as necessary.
How Risk Mitigation Works
Risk mitigation and threat detection solutions turn a traditionally reactive or archiving system of security cameras into a proactive, predictive detection system without adding additional security headcount and successfully outperforming human-based detection.
By pairing breakthrough AI technology with existing security camera infrastructure, the resulting solution protects against a growing collection of risks, including gun violence and less severe risks, such as slip and fall hazards, trespassing and more.
The AI technology analyzes patterns and anomalies in the camera feeds without storing or using personally identifiable information (PII) or facial recognition. Some software uses a simple, non-disruptive connection between cameras and a video management system, router, or switch — all that’s needed is minimal space for equipment, power, and a network connection.
They autonomously scan for hazards in real-time without human fallacies that include getting bored, fatigued, or distracted. They continue to learn and refine their data sets of risk identification over time.
Once a risk is identified, it can be programmed to require human interaction to take action or can initiate pre-programmed notification processes based on alert severity through a central mass communication platform. Those notifications can include audio and visual responses onsite via mass notification endpoints and alerts to staff, stakeholders, and law enforcement via text or desktop notifications.
These highly scalable platforms are suitable for facilities of all sizes. They can be tailored to meet specific security needs, whether for small buildings or large campuses. The system’s flexibility allows for customization based on the unique requirements of different environments (both indoor and outdoor), ensuring that the platform can adapt to changing security needs.
Risk Mitigation Example
An Iowa-based hospital provides thousands of patients with acute, emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and crisis response services each year. Slips and falls are a common concern across the hospital, especially for patients in the Behavioral Health Unit who can’t wear shoes.
As part of a patient improvement initiative, the hospital turned to risk mitigation technology to help decrease the number of slips and falls on this floor.
While hundreds of cameras are in place across the hospital, it’s impossible for each feed to be effectively monitored by humans. Instead, risk detection software was installed on existing cameras in the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and crisis hallway.
The technology autonomously scans for slip and fall hazards without distraction, allowing the hospital to identify and address a hazard, like a spill, before a slip and fall occurs.
Once a hazard is detected, the hospital’s immediate response system swings into action. Alerts are immediately sent to designated contacts, ensuring the hazard is addressed before an incident occurs. This swift action not only decreases response times but also reduces the severity if someone slips or falls, instilling confidence in the hospital’s emergency preparedness.
In one month alone, the risk mitigation technology helped staff mitigate nearly 75 slip and fall risks by identifying spills and sending immediate alerts to janitorial staff. Along with avoiding injuries, the software provides significant cost savings, with the average slip and fall claim costing $50,000 or more. This not only ensures patient safety but also contributes to the hospital’s financial stability.
The risk mitigation platform detects more than slip and fall risks. The hospital also implemented it around priority security areas and entry points, including the emergency department (ED), to scan for fallen persons. These alerts are valuable for recognizing when someone has been dropped off and left outside the ED, allowing staff to come to their immediate aid.
The software’s customizable alerts send notifications to various departments whenever a risk is detected. Alerts can also escalate if the original threat isn’t resolved after a specified time, so nurses and other staff can focus on patient care with the confidence that hazards will be resolved.
Simplifying the Security Landscape
Risk mitigation and threat detection platforms are becoming indispensable in modern security plans. The rapid dissemination of information during emergencies, coupled with advanced risk detection technologies, enhances overall safety and preparedness.
Organizations can successfully implement these advanced security measures by fostering collaboration across departments, ensuring transparent communication, and emphasizing the long-term benefits.
As the security landscape continues to evolve, embracing these technologies is essential for maintaining robust and adaptive security strategies. With continuous advancements in AI and machine learning, risk mitigation platforms will evolve to offer even more sophisticated threat detection capabilities.
Gina Sansivero is vice president of marketing and corporate communications for AtlasIED.
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