Workplace Security Tips That Will Make Your Office Safer For Employees

Whether you have your own business or work for a company, part of the job is making sure that everyone on site has a healthy and safe environment to operate in. As much as we work to ensure our security at home, so should we make an effort to do the same for the office. This is not just for the safety of the people in it but also to keep the investment on information, equipment and goods intact. Having the right measures in place can also help prevent theft and the unauthorized entry. Security and safety are integral elements of a workplace, so company owners and officers should take the time to create a program and implement regular checks to maintain the peace.

When operating an office, aside from physical security, the last thing you want to happen is a data breach. Information security is as much an issue in many workplaces, particularly now that everything’s moving online. In fact, research shows that American companies spent some $6 million in the past year to cope with the effects of data security breaches alone. With so many threats, how does an office deal? Here are 10 ways to ensure that people, property, and information are secure.

1. Keep the workplace clean and organized.

Whether it’s a desk job or a warehouse setup, keeping the workplace neat and tidy helps prevent any accidents to person and property. By making sure that everything is in its place, you get to spot the any inconsistencies immediately and assess its impact on safety. This includes keeping stuff off the floor, putting personal items stashed out of sight, and keeping all possible distractions to a minimum. An organized workplace allows for a systematic movement of tasks, thus improving productivity in the process.

2. Have sufficient lighting and ventilation.

By properly lighting your office, you not only create better working conditions for your staff, you also deter outsiders from trying to break in. It also makes it easier for everyone to spot the not. By lighting all areas, you also provide additional security for employees who enter and leave the premises at nighttime. Add to that a well-planned ventilation system to make the environment healthy and comfortable for your people and to protect the integrity of your machines.

3. Report any injury or illness, as well as unsafe conditions or acts, immediately.

If there is anything out of place or somebody gets sick on the job, these should be reported immediately. No matter how minor the illness or injury is. This is why every office should have a medical professional on staff or at least have easy access to medical help nearby. These include near misses, as well, so the team can build on lessons learned and devise better ways to prevent them.

4. Secure all entrances and provide a clear and easy route to exits.

Issue key cards or ID badges to staff so only they can access the workplace. You can install a door access kit or a digital code system to ensure that anybody who doesn’t work there cannot enter and must approach reception to sign in and be issued a visitor’s badge. This way, you can track who goes in and out, as well as the times that they did. Meanwhile, all exits should be readily accessible at all times, and alarms and fire extinguisher boxes should never be blocked. The office should conduct regular checks on emergency exits and equipment to ensure they are in working condition.

5. Have a good security system installed.

Install a security system that not only sets off an alarm in the event of a breach or an emergency situation, but also one that alerts the police in case of break-ins. The password to this system should be given only to a select few staff and it should be changed on a regular basis. This also includes setting up a CCTV system at all entrances, exits, and sensitive areas. If you can afford to place cameras everywhere, by all means do so. Don’t forget to include stairwells and hallways.

6. Make sure that all employees know of your security and emergency protocols.

Conduct regular seminars about safety protocols and rules so that everybody on staff knows what to do and what not to do. Simply posting procedures on the wall or sending out emails will not suffice, because not everybody takes the time to thoroughly read — and that’s work on top of what they are already doing. Better yet, conduct drills so people can practice what to do in case of an emergency. When a company policy changes, be sure everybody knows about it, as well. This way, when a security procedure is practiced, everybody does it correctly and will start feeling safer at work.

7. Use various tools to keep your tech from being stolen.

Majority of workplaces are reliant on technology and tech equipment, which will be very costly if damaged or stolen. Because laptops and computers contain vast amounts of data about your company, you should take extra precautionary measures to prevent them and their contents from leaving the premises. You can use security clamps or security footwear to make sure things stay where they are and that you know if somebody is trying to take anything out.

8. Set up a password system to prevent data breaches.

Install a password for all equipment that contain sensitive company and client data. Whatever business you are engaged in, it is absolutely crucial to keep all files and documents safe. Having a password will help keep the information secure. Just make sure to change it regularly.

9. Be attentive and alert at all times.

Be alert and awake in the workplace. By being conscious of the people around you and what they are doing, you can help spot things that might be a threat. You should also be aware of the hazards you might bring to the workplace.

10. Bring in a professional to assess your readiness.

To ensure that your business or workplace is compliant with all local laws and that all possible weak areas are covered, it’s best to bring in a security professional to assess your area’s readiness for any emergency. A pro will also know how to spot potential threats, sometimes even those that you might not think can pose a danger. He or she can point out better ways to position your security system, or suggest more efficient ways to carry out emergency procedures. By taking the time to ensure your workplace’s safety and security, you make your environment a better place to be in.