Workplace Security : Are You Doing Everything You Can?

Good workplace security is of the utmost importance. Without it, your premises, equipment and employees are put at risk. However, it is something that many businesses overlook, either because they are unaware of what they should be doing or they are trying to cut costs. Considering it as an unnecessary expense is a big mistake, because the cost of damage, higher insurance premiums and liability lawsuits can easily amount to more than the cost of taking standard precautions. Having locks on their doors and windows is all that lots of businesses do as far as workplace security is concerned, but that is far from adequate. As well as having strong locks on your doors and windows, there are many other precautions that you should be taking, some physical and some training related. These are some of the workplace security precautions that you may want to consider...

- Set-up a CCTV camera to monitor people coming in all building entrances.

- Protect ground floor doors and windows with pull down metal shutters.

- Install an under-the-counter alarm system which silently alerts security if an undesirable situation is arising.

- Position your reception area directly in front of the main public entrance.

- Place a plastic window on service counters if large amounts of cash are being dealt with.

- Position furniture and partitions so that access to high risk areas (such as where money is kept) is not visible to members of the public.

- Install a metal detector to minimize the risk of weapons being bought on to the premises.

- Ensure that from their desk supervisor's have a clear view of where their employees are working.

- Brief employees on steps to take if a threatening or violent incident arises.

- Decide on code words to alert co-workers and supervisors that immediate help is needed.