Ensuring the safety and security of your workplace is a top priority for any manager or a business owner. There are a variety of measures you can take to add safety and security to your workplace. Here are five essentials for a safe and secure workplace.
Essential #1: Access Control
One of the most important things you can do to add safety and security to your workplace is to control who has access to your facility. This can be accomplished with badge readers, scheduled access, and visitor management systems. These security measures will help you to know who is in your facility at all times and will deter unauthorized access.
Badge readers should be placed at all entrances and exits of your facility. This will allow you to track who is coming and going and will deter unauthorized access. Schedule access so you can control employee access to certain facility areas. For example, you may want to restrict after-hours access to your facility.
Visitor management systems are another way to control access to your facility. These systems will track visitors and their purpose for being on your property. This information can help you screen visitors and determine if they pose a security risk.
Essential #2: Surveillance
Another essential for a safe and secure workplace is surveillance. You can deter criminal activity and monitor your facility with surveillance cameras. Cameras should be placed strategically to cover as much of the area as possible. Place them in entrances, exits, hallways, parking areas, and other high-traffic areas.
Consider investing in a security system that includes video monitoring. This will allow you to remotely monitor your facility and provide a record of activity. You can also use surveillance cameras to investigate incidents on your property. You can have security personnel monitor the surveillance as it happens to provide a rapid response to any incidents. Surveillance should also be visible so that potential criminals are aware.
Essential #3: Alarm System
An alarm system is another essential for a safe and secure workplace. It can deter crime and help law enforcement quickly respond to an incident at your workplace. If an intruder enters your facility, the alarm will sound and notify law enforcement. This can help to prevent theft, vandalism, or other criminal activity.
A professional should install your alarm system and regularly test it to ensure it works properly. It would be best if you also had a plan in place for how to respond to an alarm. This plan should be reviewed with all employees so that everyone knows what to do if the alarm sounds.
Essential #4: Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for a safe and secure workplace. Adequate lighting can help deter crime and provide a visible deterrent to would-be criminals. When selecting lighting for your workplace, choose fixtures that provide adequate light levels and are tamper-resistant. A great option is LED lighting, which is energy-efficient and has a long lifespan.
Lighting should be placed in all workplace areas, both inside and out. Include entrances, exits, parking areas, and walkways in your lighting plan. Lighting should also highlight potential security risks, such as ATMs and stairwells. Another good option and a halogen light. This light is less expensive and will provide a good amount of light to your workplace, especially if you have a large area.
Essential #5: Lockdown Procedures
In an active shooter or other emergencies, it is important to have procedures to lock down your workplace. Having procedures in place ahead of time can help save lives in an emergency.
Add a panic exit device to all doors in your workplace to allow employees to quickly exit the building in an emergency. This is a great addition to your lockdown procedures, as it will allow employees to quickly and safely exit the premises.
Your procedure should also include how to secure your workplace in an emergency. This may include turning off lights, locking doors, and closing blinds or drapes. Another good idea is to have a dedicated lockdown area where employees can go in an emergency. This area should be away from windows and have food, water, and other supplies to last several days. Review your lockdown procedures periodically with all employees, so everyone knows what to do in the event.
Additional Safety Measures
There are other measures you can take to improve safety in your workplace that may look simple but are essential. One such measure is to post emergency phone numbers in all work areas. Include the number for law enforcement, fire, and ambulance. You should also include the number of your security company if you have one. Employees should know where these numbers are and how to use them in an emergency.
Another good idea is to have a safety committee. This committee can be responsible for reviewing safety procedures and making recommendations for improvement. The committee can also investigate workplace accidents and incidents to determine the cause and make recommendations to prevent future accidents.
Workplace safety and security are paramount for any business. By taking a few simple measures, you can ensure that your workplace is a safe and secure environment for both your employees and customers. Implementing cameras, alarms, and ID badges are great ways to add an extra layer of security to your workplace. What other measures have you taken to ensure the safety and security of your workplace?
