Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; 248.260.8466; barbara@eafocus.com

Detroit –July 30, 2025––Following the mass shooting in a New York City office building housing some of the nation’s most iconic professional brand names, reports reflect that the building was deemed highly secure, with multiple safety measures in place for entrance to the building and its elevators. Yet, tragedy was not averted. Deborah Brouwer, a partner at Detroit-based management-side labor and employment law firm Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC, says there should be a reasonable expectation of safety at work.

“In today’s environment, when random gun and knife violence are in the news far too often, employers should be reviewing their safety procedures and following Michigan laws and best practices on workplace safety,” Brouwer said. “This encompasses both workplace grounds and facilities, but also troubling actions by current or former employees.”

Michigan and federal law require employers to provide an OSHA compliant safe workplace to prevent workplace injuries, which can include protocols for reporting what may be a percolating personnel matter that threatens to turn violent, standard safety measures for building entry, and evacuation procedures.

“It is important to note that Michigan law allows employers to ban employees from carrying concealed guns on the employer’s premises, regardless of weapon permits,” Brouwer added.

Brouwer highlights the following employer safety tips:

  • Do not ignore the concerns of employees who report they are frightened by a current employee’s words or actions.
  • Report any imminent workplace danger concerns to the police immediately.
  • When terminating an employee who has exhibited concerning behavior to management or fellow employees, take extra steps to mitigate the opportunity for workplace violence, such as conducting the termination meeting by teleconference or by having security present or nearby if the meeting is in person.
  • Taking a “wait and see” approach can be dangerous. The balance is protecting one’s civil rights and right to privacy with the health and welfare of the company’s employees as a whole.
  • For building security, insist that workplace safety protocols (e.g. log-in badge for entry, passcodes) be followed for every person that attempts to enter an employer premises. Don’t hold the door for someone because it’s polite. Think safety first and make it an everyday practice to require credentials for entry.
  • Ensure that safety cameras are in working order and monitored at all times; give staff monitoring the cameras required breaks to reduce the chance of getting caught off guard.
  • If an individual is seen carrying a weapon into the building, as is the case with the NYC office building shooting, call police immediately.
  • Conduct safety training at least once a year, including active shooter preparedness training.

“Both employers and employees need to feel empowered to take immediate action when violence threatens the workplace – and to take steps that can mitigate or eliminate the threat before violence occurs,” Brouwer said.

About Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC

Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer specializes in employment litigation, traditional labor law, workplace investigations, and management consultation and training for private and public sector employers. The firm also provides arbitration and mediation services. Woman-owned and led since its founding in 1992, Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer exclusively represents management in the prevention, resolution and litigation of labor and employment disputes.

 

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