Employee Safety: Your Risks and Responsibilities

As a business owner, you should have a vested interest in keeping your employees safe. Taking security seriously shows your employees that you care and allows them to feel more confident and productive while at work. Not only is this good for morale, it’s good for business. 

There are a number of measures that business owners can take to keep their workplaces safe from both outside and inside threats, including improved lighting, surveillance cameras, alarm systems and coded identification badges, just to name a few. However, one of the most effective ways to provide protection is to hire on-site security personnel. A security guard who understands the unique needs of your business can be your greatest defense against threats to your property and people. 

Do Your Employees Feel Unsafe in the Workplace?

Your employees come to work with certain expectations. Sure, they want to be compensated for a job well done; but, they also expect to be safe and secure while on the job. This often goes unstated, but a non-threatening work environment goes without saying for most employees. Business owners should consider the common reasons why employees may feel unsafe at work as employers begin to assess their security needs. Ask yourself the following questions when you perform your initial risk assessment: 

• Do my employees work alone at night?
• Do my employees handle valuable merchandise or cash?
• Do my employees regularly deal with irate customers? 
• Have there been recent layoffs or workplace transitions?
• What is the potential for an environmental emergency, such as a fire or earthquake? 
• Has there been a history of workplace violence? 
• Has there been increased crime rates in the immediate area? 
• Have employees expressed security concerns to you or the human resources department?

Based on the answers to these questions, you may determine that it is in your best interest, and that of your employees, to hire security guards. Keep in mind that reputable companies such as Off Duty Officers will offer you a variety of options to meet your needs. This might include temporary or permanent guards, 24/7 patrols and armed or unarmed guards. Make sure that you choose a security guard company that will customize their security solutions for you, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

4 Ways Security Guards Can Give Your Employees Peace of Mind 

Increase in their perceived safety. Employees report higher levels of security knowing that there are dedicated personnel on the premises who possess the skills and equipment to keep them safe. If an employee works a late shift or walks through a dark parking lot, they will have peace of mind knowing that a security guard can escort them to their vehicle. 

Professional presence of authority. Criminals are less likely to target your place of business if they know you have professional guards on site. Angry customers may be less inclined to cause a scene when well trained, uniformed guards confront them. A professional security guard or team of guards can be a deterrent to a wide variety of bad actors who want to take advantage of your business. 

Skill at identifying suspicious behavior. Even your most astute employees may not be able to recognize suspicious people or security breaches that could put people and property at risk. Professional security guards are trained to recognize behaviors that could indicate that an individual is up to no good. They will also be able to identify situations that could leave your business vulnerable to threats. 

Keep security top of mind. With security guards stationed at the front entrance or performing mobile patrols throughout the property, your employees are more keen to maintain a security mindset. They will be more aware of their surroundings and know exactly who to contact if they see suspicious behavior. A heightened awareness of security is better for everyone. 

Business owners have a responsibility to their employees to maintain safe and non-threatening workplaces. By hiring professional security guards, they can fulfill this duty and provide a secure and productive work environment.