All businesses have a statutory duty to keep employees and visitors safe. But if your business involves working with sensitive materials or data, your responsibilities are substantially increased.
For the majority of companies, low-key and inexpensive security procedures may be sufficient to deter all but the most determined criminals. However, it is foolhardy to assume that your business is perfectly safe because you don’t keep expensive equipment on site. Intruders can cause a huge amount of damage even if they don’t actually steal anything, so do you really want to spend your Monday morning cleaning up the mess left behind by a marauding gang of vandals?
It takes time, effort and money to get a new business off the ground, so here are a few tips to ensure your business premises stay safe and criminals don’t undermine all of your hard work.
Security Lighting
Security lighting is the absolute minimum level of security you should have at your business premises. Criminals don’t like to operate under arc lighting, so they will be discouraged from breaking and entering after dark if there is plenty of bright lighting. Install lights that are triggered by movement sensors if you want to keep costs down.
CCTV
Closed-circuit TV is useful for monitoring large sites remotely. Sometimes it is impossible to watch every section of a large site without spending a fortune on security patrols. If CCTV is installed, security personnel can monitor all areas from a central monitoring station. CCTV can also be used to identify intruders in the event of a break-in.
24/7 Security
24/7 security patrols are useful when there is high-value equipment stored on site or you want to prevent intruders from damaging property in a high-risk area. Most security firms will provide security guards for after-hours patrols, or you can use in-house personnel.
Swipe Card Systems, Keypad Access
Installing swipe card systems or keypad access panels on external doors or any areas where extra security is required is a useful way of restricting access to sensitive areas, or the building in general. Access control codes can be changed as often as required.
Admittance Screening
Admittance screening systems ensure only qualified personnel are allowed on site at any given time. This type of electronic interface allows management to screen visitors, employees and contractors, and is idea for businesses that need to implement a permit to work management arrangement. Anyone who does not have the appropriate permit or security access will not be allowed to enter. All data is stored electronically and all personnel on site can be traced, which helps businesses to remain fully compliant at all times.
Monitored, Verified Alarm Systems
Security alarms are useful, particularly in high-risk areas. However, to avoid frequent time-wasting false alarms, it is a good idea to install a monitored and verified alarm system in conjunction with audio detection and security cameras whereby the system is managed externally and false alarms can be detected.
Never underestimate the value of business security protocol. You may find that your insurance company insists on a minimum level of security, so check your policy upon renewal to ensure you are compliant or you might not be able to claim if there is a break-in.
Source: The Economic Voice – January 2016