There are many benefits and advantages to having a business that is safe, secure, and well protected. These include better staff retention, increased employee wellbeing, minimised damage to stock, an attractive and well-functioning premises, and more.
However, many business owners and entrepreneurs procrastinate on this issue because they simply don’t know where to begin. Security can easily become complex and time-consuming - but it doesn’t have to be.
Below, we explore five key areas that you can address to make your business safer and more secure - whether it operates on-site, online, or anything in between.
AREA 1: Cybersecurity
A growing area of concern, cybersecurity has become a hot topic in recent years. If you conduct any part of your business online, it is vital that you protect both your own information, and that of your team and customers.
GDPR — i.e. the Global Data Protection Regulation — came into effect to help monitor how companies use their customers’ data, and it is essential that your company is in full compliance.
Issues of cybersecurity can be technical and complex, so do not hesitate to hire an expert to help if you are unsure. Keeping your business and data secure online is an essential part of the overall safety, security, and legitimacy of your operations.
Being careful with the sensitive details and data of your customers will also help you to build and maintain trust, as well as foster consumer loyalty.
AREA 2: CCTV
CCTV is one of the most instantly recognisable aspects of security, and one of the most effective.
Closed-circuit television cameras can be positioned throughout your site, where they will act as a powerful deterrent against would-be thieves, trespassers, and wrongdoers.
CCTV can also help to protect your staff and personnel in the event of illness or an emergency. You can quickly identify the problem onscreen and keep a clear overview of everyone’s location on-site; this is especially helpful when seeking to ensure you provide effective fire safety protocols.
In the unfortunate event of an incident, CCTV can also be used to review the event so that anything similar can be avoided in the future, or so that the footage can be passed to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
Many business owners find that their CCTV setup is a powerful tool to deter any potential troublemakers in the first place, and that it also helps their on-site personnel to feel more protected, safe, and secure.
AREA 3: Secure Access
If your business operates on a physical site, an essential aspect of security is appropriate fencing or secure gated access for authorised individuals.
This helps to prevent anyone being on-site who should not be, and barriers can also be applied to specific areas that need safety clearance, or require certain equipment (such as boots or goggles, for example) to be worn before entry is granted.
Secure access helps to ensure that you are always aware of those on-site, while also providing additional protection for any valuable stock stored on the premises - thereby giving you greater peace of mind.
However, to ensure good security practices, you should ensure that any fences or gated barriers are well-maintained and kept up to date.
AREA 4: Employee Wellbeing
It can be easy to overlook the essential safety and security feature that is employee wellbeing, but investing in the health, happiness, and wellbeing of your staff will help to improve the security of your business by fostering a positive and supportive company culture.
And remember that first aid extends to mental health and wellbeing too, which is why many businesses now ensure that they train their team members in administering First Aid for Mental Health alongside the more traditional first aid practices.
AREA 5: Fire Safety
Ensure that you are aware of your legal obligations for fire safety, as well as what are considered to be the best practices for your industry. For example, construction or chemical sites will have specific fire safety and evacuation protocols when compared with other types of premises.
Regularly update and review your fire drill performance, and ensure that fire escape routes remain effective and well maintained.
Additionally, be sure to check and upgrade your fire alarm system on a regular basis, and consult experts on what would be the best system for you and your business.
With an approach that encompasses the five key areas above, your business and personnel will be safe, secure, and ready for anything!
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