5 Things to Consider for the Security and Safety of Your Business and Employees

Security and safety affect all industry sectors -- healthcare, manufacturing, construction, education, retail, entertainment venues, and restaurants, to name a few.

And, while we’d all like to think that a security incident is unlikely, prevention is key to getting in front of any safety risks. Safekeeping the business you have worked so hard to build is paramount to your future success.

Your security system doesn’t need to be costly, but it does need to be effective. Install the systems that are right for your needs and budget, using a team that will assess your current electrical wiring and ensure that your system always stays operational.

Here is a look at the top five things to consider when it comes to building the security and safety for your business, your employees, and your customers.

#1: Identify Known and Potential Security Threats

The most common security threat, aside from physical areas or situations, is complacency: understanding that threats are possible but feeling that it likely won’t happen to your business.

It creates an environment ripe for issues. However, it can be quickly addressed by making security a point of conversation and having every person involved in your company understand their role in keeping the business secure.

In general, OSHA recommends a strong commitment by management and involvement by employees to ensure the best security plan which may include clear goals and a written program.

Security threats can be anywhere and take on many forms depending on your business, industry, or location. In the healthcare industry, for example, the risk may be a loss of privacy or HIPPA violation. In the education sector, it might be unwanted intruders. Start with generally high-security threats for your industry and your location and continue on to more specific threats.

• High-foot and vehicle traffic areas
• High-risk property
• Door entries and building access
• Points of sales
• Areas of possible collisions
• Low-light parking lots
• Obscure corner angles

#2: Get Expert Advice on Business Security Systems

As you develop your plan to keep your business and employees safe and secure, reach out to an expert who can help assess your current security, your needs, and appropriate solutions. They'll evaluate your needs and determine how to best prepare you for future growth and technology changes. 

An expert can find appropriate solutions and provide accurate estimates to ensure your vision is realized within your budget. Be comprehensive about your security plan by documenting the different components, features, and security steps you want to incorporate now and in the future.

When it comes to security and safety, consider the following:

• Infrastructure: Consider whether your existing infrastructure can support the components you plan to include. Your cabling infrastructure and how it is installed have a big impact on the strength of cybersecurity and internet connectivity. The newest structured (Cat 6A) and multimode (fiber optic) cabling allow greater bandwidth and scalability with more reliable data transmissions, driving security within your network ecosystem. They meet higher security requirements for data center infrastructures; enable fast, interruption-free network operation; and protect against data security threats.
• Policies & Procedures: Consider your existing workplace policies and procedures and how these may need to be revised.
• Knowledge & Skills: Consider your existing skill and knowledge base. Your staff plays an integral role in keeping your business secure. You may need training or education to implement and maintain your security and safety systems.

#3: Explore Integrated Security Solutions

There are a lot of different equipment options when it comes to security. A professional full-service team will be able to give you the best possible solutions for your budget. They can help you implement a long-term plan, so you get the protection you need now and the ability to expand in the future.

Here are some of the solutions for some common security concerns:

Building Security:

• Door access - Depending on your needs, features such as door access tracking and programmable door locks are available to control who enters your buildings and when.
• Security cameras - Outdoor and indoor cameras can help oversee and record the property and activities on it 24/7. Consider the placement, recording options, high-resolution cameras, and the high-risk areas in need of monitoring such as the front door, back door, or alleys.

Perimeter and Grounds Safety:

• Gated entries – Gated parking lots and entries provide security for parking areas and campuses.
• Perimeter Lighting – Motion-sensored or timed lighting can keep corners and entry ways illuminated and well-placed grounds or landscape lighting can help visitors find their way as well increase a sense of safety.
• Parking Lot Lighting – Broad lighting in open areas like surface parking lots are important as well. Having these on timers keeps lots lit during seasonal weather and daylight savings times.

Resident or Patient Safety:

• Wander Management – Door access and wander management systems work in tandem to reduce unwanted building exits in environments such as nursing homes or day care environments.
• Nurse Call – In nursing or hospital facilities, nurse call allows quick response for health emergencies.
• Blue emergency call boxes – Often placed in parking lots or pathways further away from the main building, blue emergency call boxes provide assistance to anyone in distress. They also help illuminate areas of the property that may otherwise be dark, therefore deterring crimes. These are especially useful in retail or in higher education.
• Areas of rescue or refuge systems – These are communication systems set up in a particular area where people are to congregate safely in case of emergency. These are often found in multitenant housing or education facilities.

Healthier Environments:

• LED Lighting – Studies show that lighting can affect circadian rhythms and thus performance and mood. Improving workplace lighting, both in intensity and color, can improve the wellbeing of employees and patients.
• Occupancy Sensors – Along with door access systems, hands-free occupancy sensors for room lighting provides a no-touch experience.
• Air Sanitation/Filtration – Sanitation/Filtration systems sanitize indoor air, reducing airborne pollutants and germs.

Privacy:

• Sound masking – Sound masking is an ambient sound that helps protect unauthorized access to personal information (HIPAA), but it can also help business owners provide a comfortable work setting with less distraction.
• Background music – Adding background music to your environment can mask private conversations and provide a more comfortable experience in areas such as waiting rooms, restrooms, patient rooms, check in areas and more.

General Safety/Security:

• Audio systems–Audio speakers and wiring can be installed indoors and outdoors, depending on your security needs. You may consider features like combined audio/video or multi-zone setups.
• PA systems–This system of amplifiers, microphone, and speakers can be used to communicate inside and outside of your building. You’ll want to consider location and communication features like push-to-talk and amplification.
• Command centers–Control or command centers are the hub of your security system. When looking at different models, consider the usability and features like automation as well as compatibility with other security options.

#4: Use Quality Electrical Contractors

Expert, professional teams will be able to plan efficient, low-voltage solutions that will keep your security running while not increasing your utility bills. They’ll review your current infrastructure to determine whether upgrades or changes are needed, and which products will best suit your needs. Lemberg experts can help design, retrofit, or correct your current wiring systems. Learn more about our safety and security services here.