Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees. This means taking the necessary steps to prevent crime from happening in the first place. While there is no single solution that will work for every business, several measures can be taken to help keep employees safe.
What You Can Do to Increase Workplace Safety
While it is impossible to mitigate all risks and threats, there are many things you can do to make your workplace safer. Here are some measures you can take to help deter crime while protecting yourself and your employees:
Policy and Procedures
Employers should develop and implement policies and procedures to help prevent crime from happening in the workplace. These policies and procedures should address employee screening, visitor management, and security procedures.
This way, everyone in the workplace knows what is expected of them and how to report suspicious activity. For instance, screening employees thoroughly before hiring can help weed out individuals with criminal histories. Implementing visitor management procedures can also help control who has access to the workplace and when.
Employee Training
Employees should be trained on how to prevent crime in the workplace. This training should cover topics such as what to do if they witness a crime, how to report suspicious activity, and what to do in an emergency. By doing so, you can ensure that everyone in the workplace is aware of the potential risks and knows how to best protect themselves.
Of course, it is also essential to regularly remind employees of the company’s policies and procedures. This way, they will be less likely to deviate from safe practices, even if they are under pressure or stress.
Security Assessments
Employers should conduct security assessments to identify any potential security threats. These assessments can help employers identify areas of vulnerability and take steps to address them. Employers can also install security cameras, have adequate lighting, and use security guards to help protect their workplace from crime.
Aside from those, they could also consider using security measures such as access control systems, alarm systems, and locks. And because of technological innovations, such systems have interoperability in law enforcement, meaning that they can be monitored and managed remotely by security professionals.
How to Protect Your Employees from Potential Threats
In addition to taking these measures, employees should also be aware of their surroundings and protect themselves from potential threats inside the workplace. Here are some tips you can give to your employees to help them stay safe:
Tip #1: Be aware of who is around them
Remind your employees to always be aware of the people and things around them. If something or someone seems suspicious, tell them to report it to management or law enforcement immediately. This way, you can help to prevent a crime from happening.
Tip #2: Follow company policies and procedures
Your employees should diligently follow company policies and procedures. This includes screening visitors, reporting any suspicious activity, or using security devices such as ID badges and access control systems. Although these may seem like small things, they can make a big difference in keeping the workplace safe.
Tip #3: Stay alert and aware
Teach your employees to stay alert and aware at all times. By being vigilant, they can help to prevent crime from happening and keep themselves safe at the same time. This is especially important inside the workplace, where they may be more likely to encounter criminals.
Tip #4: Take steps to protect themselves
There are several things your employees can do to protect themselves from potential threats. There’s nothing wrong with being prepared, and taking these simple steps to ensure their safety is always a good idea. Some things they can do include being aware of their surroundings, carrying a personal alarm, and having a self-defense plan.
Tip #5: Report any suspicious activity
If your employees witness any suspicious activity, tell them to report it immediately to management or law enforcement. This includes anything out of the ordinary, such as someone who doesn’t seem to belong or behaves suspiciously. By reporting such activity, they can help to prevent a crime from happening and keep themselves safe.
In today’s world, crime is a constant threat everywhere, including in the workplace. However, by taking some simple safety measures, you can help to keep your workplace safe from crime. By following the tips above, you can create a safe environment for yourself and your employees.
After all, the safety of your workplace is a responsibility that you all share. So, make sure that you and your employees do your part in keeping the workplace safe from crime. This way, you can all rest assured that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourselves.
