Workplace security
Opportunistic thieves consider office buildings as easy targets. Even a workmate could be a potential thief. Here are 10 ways you can increase workplace security:
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Lock it up or lose it. Thieves usually look for items
of value such as laptop computers, mobile phones and electronic
equipment they can easily sell. Staff property, such as wallets and
valuables, will also be stolen if not locked up.
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Make sure you have up-to-date security. Office
security needs constant attention. Thieves will always be looking for
opportunities. If your building has up-to-date security measures in
place and alert staff, it may deter or prevent a theft.
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Check security procedures for all building entry and exit
points. Check for any faults and weaknesses in the security
procedures you use. Thieves will take advantage of any opportunities to
gain undetected access, such as through faulty fire doors and
elevators; unattended loading docks and unattended reception areas.
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Encourage staff to approach unknown visitors. Thieves
often gain entry to buildings by 'tailgating' a legitimate staff
member. Security and other relevant staff should question people who
are not wearing identification and establish if they have authority for
being on the premises. A security process should be in place to deal
with this sort of situation.
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Establish an assets register. Make sure your assets
register contains the make, model and serial numbers of all your office
equipment and is kept in a secure area.
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Nominate a security coordinator. It is recommended
that one person in each office be nominated to be responsible for
security issues. Their role should include: Regularly conducting a
security audit of the office; raising security concerns at staff
meetings; liaising with other tenants or offices in the building;
making recommendations to improve security, and liaising with building
security.
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Install security system warning signs to deter
thieves. Warning signs at entry points to the building can
inform a potential thief of your security systems and deter them from
entering the building. (For example, if you use 24 hour video
surveillance, put up a sign advertising the fact.)
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Network with other tenants about security issues. To
have a broader understanding of the security issues that affect your
office it is important that you liaise with building management and
other tenants. This can be mutually advantageous.
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Report all suspicious or criminal activity to
police.If you hear something or see something, say
something. It is important that all thefts are reported to police,
even if there is no apparent evidence left at the scene and further
investigation may not required. Suspicious activity outside or within
the building should also be reported to police. For general reporting,
call 131 444. However, if staff believe that they are
in danger of being injured or a crime is in progress they should call
000 for emergency assistance.
- Ensure all staff take personal security precautions in the workplace, including:
- never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door
- don't leave cash or valuables at the office
- if you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the office door locked
- if you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you
- if you are in the elevator with another person, stand near the control panel. If someone gets on that makes you feel uncomfortable, get off immediately and wait for another elevator
- report all suspicious persons/circumstances to the proper authorities: office manager, building security and/or the police
- be aware of all escape routes for emergencies and have police, business and emergency numbers displayed prominantly.