Every type of business has its own needs in terms of safety and security. Yet, there are some measures that you should look to include in any type of commercial premises no matter what sort of work you do there.
Secure entry and exit points
The entrance and exit have the possibility of being the weakest points in your premises. Therefore, it makes sense that any risk assessment starts there. The more entry and exit points you have, the greater the vulnerability in terms of burglars gaining access. Even a business that doesn’t handle a lot of cash may have other, valuable items that they need to protect.
Every door should have a modern multi-point locking system and an alarm. Your insurance policy will probably specify the minimum that is needed for you to be covered, but you should look to go beyond that for extra peace of mind and add the highest level of security that you feel is possible.
The right type of glass
Just about every kind of business premises has glass in it, but too many companies use the wrong kind for their needs. Some of the key products in this area include armoured glass, bulletproof glass, art protection glass and anti-reflective options. Each of these is a good choice for a certain type of business.
For example, a luxury retailer will want a strong type of glass that can’t be broken by thieves but that is anti-reflective too, so that their goods are shown in the best possible light. On the other hand, an art dealer will want strong glass that filters the harmful UV rays without making it difficult for viewers to see the art.
Consider the external dangers
Not all of your security issues are inside the premises. A study of the external dangers will probably reveal some issues that need to be dealt with too. For example, is there adequate fencing to prohibit illegal entry, or are there shady areas where people with dubious intentions may be able to lurk without being observed?
In many cases, a CCTV system and sensors connected to motion-activated lighting are sufficient to make the exterior a lot safer. Otherwise, it may be necessary to hire security personnel to monitor the premises, especially at night.
Use a safe for valuables
Just about every company has some items that are particularly important to them. This could be cash or it could be irreplaceable business documents or equipment. What is most valuable in your firm should be kept in a safe. This doesn’t just protect the items from thieves, as there have been plenty of cases around the planet of trusted employees stealing from their places of work.
Choose a fireproof safe and the valuables will also be kept away from harm’s way in the events of disasters such as fire or flooding. A very limited number of people should know the combination, or you could use biometric security so that authorised members of staff can open it without any fuss.
Carry out regular reviews
The security needs of a business can change over time. You may start handling more money, the premises may be extended or you may have more daily visitors arriving at the building. All of this means that it makes sense to carry out regular reviews of your security measures.
Every six months is often enough for this to be effective, but you may like to bring the review forward if you feel that there have been any substantial changes to the way your business operates since the last review was carried out. By taking all of these points into account, you will be able to put in place solid, sensible safety measures that give you peace of mind.
