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First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TWELVE TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY AT WORK (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred

While people may feel that they are safe at work if nowhere else, this is a common misconception that can lead to unfortunate incidences. No matter where you are – work, home, shopping- you can fall victim to crime. Understanding this can help protect you, and learning about some simple things that you can do to keep yourself safe at work can make all the difference in the world.

Tip 1:

When at work you should keep your purse and keys locked up in a locker or drawer no matter how safe you feel your personal items are. Anything can happen to them even when it comes to people that you think that you can trust.

Tip 2:

If any strangers show up at your office you should ask for photo identification to ensure that they are who they say they are. On the same note, if someone whom you do not know makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, trust your gut and call for security.

Tip 3:

If you notice any broken or flickering lights, corridors that are not well lit, broken windows or doors, or doors or windows that will not properly lock or close, report them to the right person immediately,  as they may be warning signs of something unpleasant to come.

Tip 4:

Keep an emergency kit on hand at all times. In it you should include water, food that is nonperishable, and a flashlight. This is for in case the lights go out because of a storm or because someone has messed around with the wires.

Tip 5:

When someone makes a delivery or pickup at your company, follow the same procedure for tip number two. Always ask for identification before you allow them in the building. Without proper ID you should not allow them to enter the premises.

Tip 6:

If you are the owner or the business, or in a position to make important decisions, take a good look at your office layout to assess any sort of potential security breach risks. Also do through background checks on all employees including criminal background checks.

Tip 7:

Assess  the probabilities of being a victim of fraud, burglary and embezzlement and have basic principles of prevention put in place in case any of these issues arise. This is something that  every business is vulnerable to and taking the proper steps is  important for prevention and recovery.

Tip 8:

If you know about any violence in the workplace, or witness any violence (or even know about the potential for violence), make a report to the appropriate authority right away to prevent an unfortunate event.  The same goes for sexual harassment or harassment of any type. These are serious matters.

Tip 9:

Keep your entire inventory up to date. You should do both regularly scheduled checks and random checks. Also write down equipment and product ID numbers and keep them at the office and at home or a bank safety deposit box so you have backups.

Tip 10:

If you are working alone after hours make sure that all doors and windows are locked up before the last person leaves.

Tip 11:

Have an emergency plan in place and make sure that your employees know what the plan is and understand how to follow it.

Tip 12:

If you work at home all of the above still applies. Keep yourself safe no matter what your working environment may be.  Keep everything locked up and have some sort of alarm system in place in case of emergency.

Staying safe at work is something that everyone should know how to do. Being privy to the proper information can make life much less stressful and much safer overall.

Protective Technologies provides safety equipment for business. Please visit our  website to find out more information.

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (Guest Post)

 Over the last decade there were more than 7,000 homicides nationwide that occurred in the work place, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most of these homicides involved robberies by an unknown assailant, while 1,000 involved work colleagues. 

CCTV Cameras has become an effective means in the prevention of crime as well as supporting local authorities in identifying assailants. CCTV camera video is often used in the courtroom to assist in the determination that a crime was committed and by whom. 

Traditional robbery, which usually targets convenience stores, banks, etc., has caused an increase in security.  Too, the recession has driven potential thieves to even more desperate measures by targeting business offices. Offices can provide easy access to expensive items like laptops, cell phones and unattended cash. An employee’s sense of safety and security along with a company’s reputation can be destroyed from violence perpetrated by thieves, disgruntled former employees, angry customers and even bitter spouses. To prevent these occurrences, employers are installing CCTV Cameras to deter crime.  CCTV cameras include Bullet Cameras, Dome Cameras, Full Size Cameras and PTZ cameras, which are available with multiple features and are adaptable to any location, both inside and outside the property, in daylight or darkness.  In the event a crime occurs, CCTV cameras can capture the crime and suspects and replay it instantly. 

 Employers and employees working together should develop unified policies and procedures to help make their places of business safer. With everyone being involved and knowing there is a plan in place can in itself be a deterrent to workplace violence.  To start developing a plan of action here are few tips and suggestions to get started: 

  • Create policies and procedures for properly handling an incident and ensure your employees are well trained. If policies exist, review them periodically to ensure they are up to date.
  • Consider hiring a security agency to survey the workplace and identify vulnerabilities.
  • When hiring employees or contractors, complete a full national background check.
  • Install CCTV cameras to monitor and record both inside and outside of the building. It is a valuable tool for helping to identify perpetrators and aid law enforcement agencies before, during, and after a crime has been committed.
  • Implement an access control system and/or a visitor management system. 

Safety tips for employees: 

  • Stay aware of your surroundings.  Take note of unfamiliar people that may be acting suspicious or are without the proper identification, such as a badge or an I.D. card.  Immediately report them to your company’s security department.  Never approach anyone you think may pose a threat.
  • If you feel uncomfortable walking to and from your car, ask for an escort from the building security or a trusted co-worker.
  • Never leave your purse or other valuables in an unlocked drawer in your desk.  A majority of robbery related incidents in the workplace are related to personal theft.
  • Make a request to add CCTV security cameras in common areas that may be off the main path or in isolated areas.
  • Learn what your company’s policies are in the event of an evacuation or lockdown.  Know exactly where to go and what to do. 

The Security Product Depot is an established online provider of physical security products. As an innovative supplier of online security solutions, they are committed to offering the broadest array of CCTV camera systems, door hardware, locks, and safes for securing government, school facilities, commercial businesses and residents.  

Written by Mike Hassebrock from The Security Product Depot