Regardless of what kind of business you have, one thing is universally true: the safety and security of the workplace is a top priority. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that not only all of your employees but also your clients are safe from harm and that your company’s assets are secure. Not only is it impossible to work properly in an unsafe environment, but it can lead to accidents that are more than just an inconvenience and can even lead to the downfall of a company. So, to make sure that your offices live up to the standards, here are a few tips on how to make them more secure and safe.
Keep everything clean and organized
To make sure the premises are safe, you must keep them clean and organized. Tripping hazard is greatly minimized if clutter is removed from the way of foot traffic and everything has its place. It is also paramount that nothing blocks emergency exits, so if there is some old, broken equipment, this is a great time to throw it out. Also, ensure there is proper lighting to avoid accidents.
Have proper safety procedures and educate employees
Of course, your office needs to have its own emergency procedures in place, and these procedures have to be reviewed and updated regularly. Employees have to be aware of these procedures, so it is recommended that you educate them through presentations and provide everyone with a comprehensive pamphlet. Besides, emergency exit routes have to be displayed at visible places and you should make it a point to check exits, entrances, elevators and so on to make sure everything is in order.
Be careful when hiring
Keeping your office safe and secure can be difficult if the “attack” comes from within. Employee theft is more common than you’d think, and small businesses are at the highest risk of falling victim to this crime. So, the first thing that you should do to prevent this is doing a thorough background check on any potential employee before hiring them – besides a criminal background check, you might also contact their previous employer to get more information.
Restrict access
For the same reason as we just mentioned, you should restrict which of your employees have access to important documents and the finances of your company. You can implement passwords in the digital realm, while you can also turn to keyless cards to control who can enter important areas of the office, such as the server room.
Update your alarm systems
If your office doesn’t have an alarm system installed yet, it is no question that you should get that done as soon as possible. If you do have an alarm system but it has served you for many years already, it might be a good idea to update it to a newer and more reliable one. A good alarm system will not only make a difference in time of crisis, but it will also act as a deterrent in the first place. Verisure Smart Alarms UK can help you assess which system is best for your business.
Consider installing CCTV
Few things boost the security of an office space like CCTV does. Having constant surveillance over critical areas such as entrances and exits in combination with the aforementioned alarm systems will deter anyone from trying something they shouldn’t. In addition, being able to check on your offices even remotely will give you peace of mind.
Install reliable locks
At the end of the day, to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering your premises and keep your offices safe, reliable locks are still the no. 1 necessity. Old models do not cut it anymore as they won’t stop thieves, not to mention faulty locks that constantly cause you a headache. Luckily, you can solve this issue quickly and easily by searching “best locksmith near me” and having your locks replaced.
Keep track of visitors
During work hours, a lot of people come and go, especially if you work with a lot of other companies and clients. So, with all the coming and going, uninvited guests might slip in unnoticeably. The first thing you should do is have all of your employees wear name tags, and provide each of your guests with guest name tags as well upon entering. Besides, develop a system of keeping track of visitors so that anything can be traced back effectively.
Keep assets safe
Finally, another way you can keep unauthorized people from getting hold of important documents or stealing company assets is by securing said assets. Make sure any cash you have around is locked in a safe. Files and documents should be kept safe in locked cabinets and/or in a storage room that has limited access. Laptops and other tech items that can be easily grabbed should be secured with locks so that they are not so easy to remove.
There is a lot that goes into creating a truly safe and secure office environment, and while it might be a big investment upfront, it is an absolute necessity. Protecting your employees and your assets is an investment in the longevity of your business.
Guest author, Ron Wolf is a hobby designer and a DIY enthusiast, and, above all, a very blessed father of two. Besides that, he has a strong passion for writing. He is a featured blogger at various blogs and magazines in which he shared his research and experience with the vast online community. If he is not working he enjoys being outside with his family. Hiking, bike riding, and BBQing are always a thing for him. In the evening, he likes to watch documentaries or build something with kids in their lego corner.
