Why UK organisations and SMEs need to start investing in safety and security
17th April 2019
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With expensive technology as well as other capital assets playing an important role in every company, it’s essential you ensure that you have the proper security in place to protect you and your business. You need to also remember that you should secure your premises.

 

Compliance with safety regulations can result in fewer and lower worker compensation claims as well as absences due to injuries. Creating a positive atmosphere about injury and accident prevention can be a major benefit to your business. In addition, paying attention to detail will make a huge difference in improving your workspace safety. Try to involve every single person within your company in safety and security efforts, and make sure you conduct emergency drills every now and then so your employees are prepared to take the necessary action in a crisis. Here are a few business security tips that you should follow:

 

1. Protect your premises

 

One of the main points of entry into your premises is the doors and windows. To guarantee your premises are as secure as practically possible, install metal roller doors or bars. These will deter any intruders from gaining access.

 

2. Fitting cameras

 

If you are thinking about fitting a CCTV system to protect your premises, you must by law ensure that you have sufficient signage disclosing that you have cameras fitted and stating who controls them. You need to always keep the footage for 31 days and also make sure you keep the camera lenses clean.

 

3. External security lighting

 

The Surrey Police provides some basic ideas on how to protect your premises and fitting external lighting is one of them. You can purchase permanent low-cost systems that will detect movement near your company with the intention of deterring any burglars.

 

4. Fire alarms

 

A guide accessible through the HMGovernment website explains how to protect your company from fire. There are fire risk assessments and certain regulations that you need to adhered to, so fitting smoke alarms and detectors and liaising with your local fire authorities is necessary.

 

5. Protect your data and computers

 

Cyber crime costs more than £700 million per year to UK businesses. Using the Internet for work purposes is a usual practice for businesses and it’s imperative that you protect your systems with an up-to-date antivirus software.

 

6. Safe passwords

 

Many businesses tend to use the very same password for all their accounts and computers, but in order to reduce the chance of being hacked each computer should have an individual and unique password.

 

7. Access control systems

 

Rather than using a basic lock fitted to your company’s doors, it might be worth buying an access entry system that asks for a code number with an individual microchip. This not only keeps away deters and criminals but also allows you to monitor the movement of your staff.

 

8. Burglar alarms

 

Having an alarm fitted is a basic requirement needed by your insurance partner company and the modern alarm systems can do so much more than simply ring an annoying bell. You may get instant alerts on your mobile phone or home computer and the police will also receive a warning. In order to implement a more advance system within your premises, consulting with a critical alarm management professional is advisable.

 

9. Keep your cash in your bank

 

If you are dealing with cash on a daily basis it is highly recommended that no money is left on your premises overnight. Taking any cash straight to the bank is the safest way to go, but ensure you vary the time and do not go alone. Leave the tills open and empty at night!

 

10. Smoke and smart sprays

 

Shoplifting and robbery are very common, but nowadays technology is catching up with the criminals. Many businesses now have a variety of security and safety measures in place including smoke and smart sprays. These leave a colour or an ultraviolet sensitive residue that cannot be removed from the shoplifter or robber.

 

There is a lot to be said for creating a secure and safe work environment. Generally speaking, employees are healthier and even happier, production is better, and even insurance premiums are lower in a safe workspace. However, maintaining a productive and safe workplace requires more than simply writing a set of safety guidelines. It requires creating a working atmosphere in which all of the employees participate in achieving the established safety goals. Aside from the above security and safety tips, make sure you adhere to the following general safety tips, so that you can take the first important steps:

 

  • Encourage all employees to work safely and securely; at the same time, be aware of the specific causes of potential accidents.

 

  • Keep in mind that your employees are also the best consultants. Ask for their input on how to improve workspace safety.

 

  • Promote any actions that make the workspace more enjoyable. Generate a system that gives employees the ability to provide managers with both negative and positive feedback on all operational matters.

 

  • Make sure that work spaces are cleaned regularly and are free of hazards. All equipment should be checked periodically to guarantee proper operation. If safety gear is needed, be sure it is available at all times.

 

  • Do not create overly complex emergency procedures. Accident plans should be kept simple: employees will need to understand the instructions immediately.

 

  • Emergencies need not only plans, but also supplies. Place fire extinguishers in plain view, and ensure all workers know how to use them. Have a first-aid kit and emergency numbers readily accessible.

 

  • Safeguard storage areas. Make sure all materials are placed on shelves, pallets, or in boxes. Put flammable liquids and waste materials in sealed containers, away from fire or sources of heat.

 

  • Your premises must adhere to all fire and safety codes and standards. Make sure that all exits are unobstructed and clearly marked.

 

  • If you use any motor vehicles for your activity, service them frequently. Stock your vehicles with jumper cables, cellular phones, flashlights and first-aid kits.

 

  • Learn from experience. Keep track of events that led to workplace accidents.
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About the Author

Iñigo Etxebeste

Member since: 31st January 2019

Iñigo is a London-based digital copywriter passionate about the new technologies and the online universe. He spends his time writing about the topics he loves, travelling as much as he can and playing...

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