“Today every size company needs sound security procedures.”
– Todd Hepler, Digitek Security
The following article written by: Shelley Frost,, Small Business
Physical security concerns aren’t just for large companies. A small business needs a solid plan to protect the physical assets from both employees and outsiders. The security plan should also focus on keeping all staff members safe. Start with an inspection and evaluation of the current physical environment and procedures to determine the need for change.
Access Procedures
Controlling physical access to areas in the workplace is a way to keep the business safe. Establish a procedure for distributing keys, including who gets one and how you keep track of the keys when an employee leaves the company. If you keep confidential or valuable information, products or equipment in the workplace, keep these items secured in a locked room with access only to those who use the items. Keep entrances to the building locked on the outside to prevent people who don’t work for you from entering. Limit access by customers to one entrance that is monitored constantly.
Security System
Regular use of a security system protects the physical safety of employees and the assets of your company. Choose a security system that is monitored by an outside company so emergency personnel are automatically notified if an emergency occurs at the business. Provide the access code only to employees. In some cases, you may only need to share the code with one or two employees who arrive first or leave last. Change the access code any time an employee leaves the company.
Monitoring
Physically monitoring what happens in and around your small business helps you notice suspicious behavior before it becomes a problem. Get in the habit of walking around regularly to keep an eye on the workplace. Remind employees to stay observant both while working and when arriving and leaving. Train employees to stop and question anyone who does not work for the company, especially if the person tries to enter back office areas. Security cameras assist in monitoring the premises and discouraging potential burglars from attempting to enter your business. Keep the cameras running at all times for the best results.
Communication System
Establish a communication and response policy in case of an emergency situation. Lay out how the employees should respond to threats like an intruder, attack or suspicious behavior. Identify the procedure for communicating the threat to the rest of the staff, which may include an intercom, telephone system or an alarm that is manually activated to indicate danger. Plan for a backup method of communicating with others. You might also identify an emergency meeting area that contains supplies like a first aid kit.