If you asked corporate employees in the U.S. about the security at their offices, they might mention security badges and not much else. Yet, a recent F.B.I. study found that nearly half of 160 shooting incidents over more than a decade occurred in business settings. And with the April 3rd shooting this year at YouTube’s headquarters, major companies like Google are reevaluating the security protocols on their corporate campuses. They’re striving to create a healthy and safe work environment, while still maintaining accessibility.
Although remote video monitoring, security operations management systems, and more state-of-the-art tech and software is trending, the best tactic for preventing incidents like the YouTube shooting may simply be to focus on the security fundamentals.
5 Fundamentals of Workplace Safety
Evaluate the Current System
Having your security director or facility manager conduct a security assessment is a great way to evaluate your current security and pinpoint weak spots and where there’s room for improvement. According to the United States Office of Procurement and Property Management, a comprehensive security assessment should ask the following questions:
- What is your target potential?
- What is the prevailing attitude toward security?
- Who is responsible for the overall security program?
- How are security policies enforced?
- When was the current emergency preparedness plan developed (including fire, power failure, and disaster)?
- What resources are available locally and how rapid are the response times for fire, police, and ambulance?
- What kind of physical security systems and controls are presently used?
- Do the available security resources, policies, and procedures meet the potential threat?
Educate Employees
Security shouldn’t stop with your security or facility management staff. Train your employees about the ways they can help keep themselves and their fellow employees safe. Advise them to never let someone in who hasn’t scanned their badge, or leave a secured door open for convenience. Encourage them to be watchful and report broken or unlocked doors and gates (an unlocked gate between the parking garage and a courtyard was reportedly how the YouTube shooter gained entry). Institute mandatory security training on best practices for employees as part of their new-hire orientation. It’s also a good idea to hold yearly refresher sessions for existing employees.
Establish Company Policies
Establish formal, company-wide policies for various security situations including everything from visitor management to how computers are shut down over the weekend. Keep communication open between your security department, your facility management team, and other employees.
Eliminate Dark Spots
Map out the“dark spots” inside and outside your building. Make sure there is ample lighting in break areas and parking lots to enhance employee security and safety.
Enforce Entry Points + Exits
Security starts with a well-defined perimeter that might include landscaping, a fence, or a row of shrubs. It’s important to funnel visitors and employees through set entrances and exits to a point where they’re carefully screened to determine access. Some companies may use electronic IT systems that automatically open doors when an employee swipes their badge. However employees often misplace or lose their badges leaving room for outsiders to pick them up and use them. So having a staffed access point adds an extra layer of screening and security that will help keep threats out and your campus safe.
One of best and easiest ways to do this is with a security desk that both serves as a checkpoint, and stores essential emergency tools. Your facility manager can find this security equipment, and more, at The Security Station.
Security Stations
The Portable Professional Security Desk
The Security Station’s flagship product, The Professional Security Desk makes an ideal checkpoint, with room to store tools your security and facility management teams may need in an emergency like first aid kits, defibrillators, re-charged equipment, keys, and other relevant security gear.
Stainless steel accents and a curved design give it a modern and professional look. A stainless steel greeting counter can integrate a USB charging station with 4 ports and a slot to accommodate the wiring for PC monitors, iPads, 2-way headsets, and other electronics that make communication easy. A vented cage inside the security desk fits one PC tower, while a shelf allows ample room for storage. The unit comes with a fold-down drawer with interchangeable positions to accommodate a computer keyboard. Sitting at 51″ in height this desk can be operated from a sitting or standing position. It’s also equipped with heavy-duty locking casters and an optional integrated LED kit that lights the front panel, counter, and storage area improving visibility for your staff.
Each LED kit includes:
-Waterproof LED strips with multiple color options
-Rechargeable, sealed Li-polymer battery w/power supply and remote control
-Battery that lasts over 8 hours on single charge
Unique Details
- Modern, curved look, stainless steel accents
- Convex front panel, curved side panels
- Brushed, stainless steel greeting counter
- Stainless steel counter with electronics slot
- Recessed stainless steel accent on front panel
- Stainless steel kick plate conceals casters
- Optional USB charging station with 4 ports
- Vented cage for PC tower
- Fold-down drawer
- Integrated LED option w/rechargeable sealed battery
- Electronics ready
Essential Features
- Scratch-resistant, textured black finish
- Corrosion-resistant hardware (zinc-coated)
- Brushed stainless steel working surface
- Umbrella holder
- 2 locking + 2 non-locking heavy duty casters
- 4 cam locks w/keys
- Replaceable parts
- Pre-assembled
- Manufacturer’s Warranty
Take the Safe Route
People want to work for companies that care about their employees, and that includes caring about their safety—especially with the rise in workplace incidents. So now’s the time to step up your campus security. Have your facility, security or purchasing department contact us at 877-753-5971 and we’ll work with you to create a custom security station that will help ensure the safety of your employees and all visitors to your workplace.