5 Office Security Measures That you should consider for your company especially in Nigeria & West Africa
Security dangers are on the rise, and it’s too bad that many businesses don’t have the appropriate office security measures in place to secure their assets and premises from potential threats.
The following are some of the most common hazards or security issues that businesses may face:
- Vandalism,
- Theft
- Unauthorized Access
- Violence
- Terrorism
- Burglary
As a result, organizations should investigate potential security risks or threats and seek professional help in preventing them. Experts in crisis management feel that the best way to handle a crisis is to predict it and take the necessary precautions to avoid it. Similarly, anticipating security hazards and taking the required office security measures to prevent them is the best method to secure your facilities.
Here are five workplace security procedures that every firm should implement to avoid and defend themselves from potential security threats or problems.
1.Assessment of Security Risks: The review of an organization’s business premises, procedures, and activities in order to find concealed security flaws that could threaten both the company and its workers is known as security risk assessment. Before building and implementing security solutions, a security risk assessment is essential since it will help an organization determine the type of office security measures to apply.
The security solution required by “organization A” may differ from the solution required by “organization B.” As a result, it is critical for each firm to do a security risk assessment in order to determine the most appropriate workplace security measures.
- Employment of security personnel: A security guard is a person hired by a company to protect its assets, people, and property. It’s worth noting that a security guard is not the same as a gatekeeper. While a gate-man is responsible for controlling or tending to the gate (i.e., opening and closing the gate for entering and outgoing guests), a security guard has additional responsibilities such as:
- Patrolling the premises of the organization to detect and prevent evidence of intrusion and hindrance.
- All accesses and exits into and out of the organizations are strictly monitored.
- Checking for and investigating disturbances, responding to alarms, and dispatching emergency services such as police and fire.
- To protect lives and property, company rules and acts are enforced.
- Performs access control at building entrances and vehicle gates, ensuring that employees and visitors present correct identification or passes before accessing the organization’s facilities.
3. Perimeter Protection: Physical security control measures established as a kind of access control to restrict and reduce access from outside sources are known as perimeter protection. It is a valuable asset for industrial, commercial, public, and private residential properties, and is often regarded as the first line of defense in providing physical protection for a facility or location. It Includes:
- Gates; are the most commonly used for perimeter protection. It restricts unauthorized access to premises. Just as in the case with electric fences, electric gates are used by those who find the security of their premises highly important.
- Door; The first line of defense is usually considered to be good locks. Install high-security locks and electronic access control units on all doors and closets containing sensitive information or hazardous goods, as well as exterior doors, basements, and other areas. Ensure that all doors are sturdy and that the door frames/hinges are strong enough to prevent them from being forced open. Check to see if all of the windows are locked.
- Lightning: Proper lighting should be used to protect both the interior and exterior of your company. Install motion sensors as well as exterior lights that are on all of the time. Even if the business is closed, illuminate dark areas outside the structure and leave some interior lights on.
- CCTV Installation; CCTV, commonly known as closed-circuit television, should be deployed for surveillance purposes. It should be included in an organization’s office security measures if it is under constant monitoring and organized surveillance. Because one person cannot be present at all times, CCTV aids the work of security guards and other security staff. Cameras installed in various strategic areas across a facility help to record all movements inside the coverage area.
Take Care of Typical Issues;
– A panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at another employee’s workstation, and a high-security lock on the front door that can be controlled should all be installed in the reception area.
– The stairwell and the off-the-beaten-path corridor should be well-lit.
– Only staff should have access to the keys to the restroom, which should always be locked with high-security locks.
– Parking lots or garages should also be well-lighted and well-guarded. Security guards should ensure those car owners always lock their cars and roll the windows up all the way.
- Engagement in Continuous Security: Organizations should have a mechanism in place for continuous security engagement that will be utilized to ensure that security protection is maintained at all times, such as:
- Before leaving and closing the office, double-check that all windows and doors are securely locked, and check them again in the morning to see if anything is missing.
-
- Ascertaining that you have a reliable security system. Only distribute the password/code to employees who have a legitimate need for it, and change it on a regular basis.Maintaining the security of all entries and exits at all times. Because a code is required to gain admission, a Combination Door Lock is suitable for regulating access into a building. If this system isn’t in place, provide regular employees either a card, keys, or ID badges. A door access kit is another technique to regulate who can enter the building; anyone who does not work there will be denied admission and will be required to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge at reception.
- In the office, technology is everywhere and is used all day. Because papers, data, and personal information such as bank account numbers, names, and addresses are stored on laptops and computers, security is paramount.
- Password-protecting systems. If PCs and laptops are not password-protected, anyone could gain access to them. Maintaining the security of your documents and personal information is critical no matter what business you’re in, so be sure your computer and documents are password-protected.
- Knowing that your staff understand and are aware of the security measures in place at your organization is critical to sustaining workplace security. They’ll need to know who to contact if they have any concerns or questions about a security procedure, as well as the company’s policy and when it changes. This ensures that when a security procedure is carried out, it is carried out appropriately and that the member of staff feels safe.
5.Creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan: Always be ready in case of an emergency. Emergencies can occur at any time, and it is vital that your business knows what to do in the event of one. A robust emergency response plan may help businesses protect not only their employees but also their communities and the environment.
Being prepared for an emergency can help people avoid serious injuries and get back to work as soon as possible. The following suggestions can assist you in creating an emergency response strategy.- During an emergency, all members of the Organization should be aware of the evacuation plans and departure routes.
- Establish a post-evacuation meeting venue where relevant people can conduct a headcount and locate missing employees. This location should be known to all employees.
- Knowing where to find fire extinguishers and first aid supplies, as well as how to utilize them.
- Never close or block fire exits, doors, or stairwells. Close fire doors to prevent smoke and flames from spreading.
- Safety systems that are broken or malfunctioning should be reported to the proper staff for repair and maintenance.
- Make special emergency plans for coworkers who are disabled or who may require assistance in the event of a disaster. Assign someone to the task of escorting people out of the building in the event of an emergency.
- Make a list of everyone’s home phone numbers, along with instructions on who should call who. Make sure that everyone has a printed copy at home.
- Include fire, medical, suspicious persons or devices, accidents, hazardous materials, robbery, theft, and natural disasters in your emergency plan.
Obviously, there are so many security risks or threats that can endanger an organization. These 5 office security measures discussed are what we recommend you begin within ensuring the protection of the lives and properties in your office.
We are currently helping several organizations like yours identify the right office security measures they need to put in place for their companies.
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR YOUR COMPANY/BUSINESS
