Security professionals will be called on to upgrade security systems in order to protect companies’ assets, properties and people, whether with security personnel or a range of security technologies (such as security alarm systems) or a mix of the 2.
While security will be enforced to protect employees, it will also be required for out-of-use office spaces and vacant buildings. Many businesses have had to close down due to insolvency and this trend will continue, particularly once the government support is withdrawn. This leaves office premises to be vacated and will therefore require security to protect properties and comply with insurance requirements. Companies might invest in security guards or CCTV camera installation to ensure their property remains undamaged and safe from forced entry, burglary, water leaks or breakages, and that health and safety checks are being made.
Security systems are not just important to ward off intruders. For businesses that are still open, security systems can also monitor employee attendance and drive productivity, or enable managers to observe customer traffic and their staff’s customer service in sectors such as hospitality and retail.
As the season is changing and the nights are drawing in, employees being asked to open or lock up their place of work are being put at risk. To avoid breaching the duty of care, open and lock security services are available, as well as licensed security operatives 365 days a year, taking the risk away from employees as well as ensuring intruders can’t access the building.
How can I ensure my business is secure?
There are some relatively simple steps you can follow to start ensuring your business is secure:
- Regular physical security reviews can ensure that sensitive materials are locked away and that equipment is safely stored.
- Security teams can ensure clean desk policies to mitigate risks of company information being stolen in a break-in.
- Protective measures can include high-security locks, video surveillance cameras and security alarm systems, as well as overnight security guards. Having a trustworthy security team not only ensures your offices are highly guarded, but also that your security can recognise intruders and adapt their security plans for your business.
- By conducting regular risk assessments, the correct security systems can be installed, and fit-for-purpose policies and procedures to ensure compliance by everyone in the company can be put in place.
- Things like visitor access should be closely monitored, especially as workers start returning to the office, to ensure unauthorised individuals cannot gain entry to company buildings. This can be ensured through card-only access and intruder alarms or easy-install wireless systems for buildings that remain unoccupied.
When implementing new security systems, make sure they are adaptable and can be installed with agility, in correspondence to the current government rules and regulations. Security plans will have to be updated and redesigned, so must be implemented in a cost-effective and diligent manner. Technology continues to improve and security measures like cameras become cheaper, allowing for a tightening of security for your business.
At ESA Risk, we install robust security systems to protect you and your business. Whether you need to protect people, property or assets (or all 3), we’ll work with you to create a security setup that meets your needs through the use of technology (e.g. CCTV and alarm installation and monitoring) and manned services (e.g. close protection, manned guarding).
Contact our Security Consultant, Liam Doherty, to arrange your security risk assessment and consultation today.