Figures calculated by the ONS (Office for National Statistics in the UK) have shown that male security guards are among those most at risk from COVID-19.
The report, released on the 11th May 2020, included an assessment of a total of 2,494 deaths that were registered up to and including 20th April 2020. Nearly two-thirds of deaths were among men, while male security guards had one of the highest rates, with 45.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
While the report does state that it does not conclusively prove that the observed rates of death involving COVID-19 are necessarily caused by differences in occupational exposure, another report has looked into this in greater detail: Which occupations have the highest potential exposure to the coronavirus?
Within this second report, ONS states: “There is a clear correlation between exposure to disease, and physical proximity to others across all occupations.”
The initial report also highlights that “COVID-19 exposure will be highest among occupations involving frequent and close interaction with others, either directly… or indirectly, such as occupations handling goods.”
The news will likely come as a concern to many in the security sector, with more workers expected to return to roles that were not previously classed as ‘critical’, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Sunday evening. It also demonstrates the need for security officers to have access to quality PPE when on duty, to provide as much protection as possible from the virus.
As well as healthcare roles, workers in construction and service occupations were also highlighted has having high death rates involving COVID-19. Figures were based on age-standardised mortality rates. The ONS also added that the findings could change as more deaths are registered.
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