5 Ways Business Leaders Can Improve Workplace Security

Business leaders are responsible for creating and maintaining reasonably safe workplaces, not only in dangerous industries like construction but also in offices, retail stores, and other types of premises. For the business, it’s not just about avoiding tragedies; it’s also a matter of legal liability. Proactive security measures can help protect against assaults, thefts, and even accidents. Negligent security may lead to employees or others suffering injuries – and being able to hold the business liable.

Here are five important steps business leaders should take to make their workplaces safe for employees and others.

1. Install comprehensive security camera systems

Security cameras are fairly effective in preventing criminal activity. While not all wrongdoers will care about being caught on camera, many will choose not to target a location if they believe they will be caught and held responsible. Some security companies claim that installing a camera can cut the risk of crimes by as much as 50%. If a crime does take place, the cameras can be helpful in identifying the perpetrator.

A few considerations for businesses that are installing cameras include:

• Placement: The camera should cover entry points and high-risk areas like parking lots.
• Real-time monitoring: Someone should monitor cameras for suspicious behaviors to enhance response times and prevent incidents from happening.
• Legal compliance: Cameras should never violate privacy laws.

2. Implement access control systems

There are many sophisticated options for access control systems, and yet about 60% of businesses still use ID badges. Biometric, mobile, and QR code options may offer better protection. Whatever the system, it’s important to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive areas and anywhere that outsiders shouldn’t be entering. Securing the premises can protect employees, assets, and resources.

Businesses should also be able to track who enters and exits the building, and they should pair that with alarms and cameras that can alert when something goes wrong.

3. Install and maintain alarm systems

Businesses should have alarms to notify of break-ins, fires, and other emergencies. An alarm can inform law enforcement and other first responders more quickly in the event of an emergency. There are different types of alarms, including fire, silent, and intrusion detection. These can play an important role in the overall security of any business.

4. Ensure adequate lighting

Poor lighting creates several risks. First, dimly lit stairs and other locations can be more dangerous because people may trip and fall, leading to injuries. Additionally, poor lighting is a security risk. Low visibility shields criminal activity, which may put employees and others at risk of being robbed or assaulted. Motion-activated lights are a good option for saving energy while offering light when it’s needed.

5. Conduct regular security audits and employee training

Security audits are critical because they identify weaknesses before something goes wrong. Checking security alarms, cameras, and other equipment is only part of this effort, however. Another important step to take is to train employees regarding how to respond to different types of emergencies. Fire drills are common, but businesses today should also have a plan for violent attacks and active shooters. In a crisis, it’s best for people to be able to act without needing to think too much. The response should be automatic.

Additionally, businesses should have procedures in place to report possible safety or security concerns. Every employee should know who to go to and how – and leaders within the company should have a legitimate response to those employee concerns.

Legal liability for inadequate security

The number one reason to improve security in a business is to protect employees, customers, and others. However, another reason to be careful about security measures is the potential legal liability a business may face if the lack of security leads to injuries.

Some examples of businesses that could face liability because of inadequate security include:

• Hotels, motels, and apartment buildings: These should have secure access, proper lighting, and surveillance to deter assaults, thefts, and break-ins.
• Nightclubs, restaurants, and bars: Venues that serve alcohol should have plans for handling fights, assaults, and other violent incidents – this might mean hiring trained security personnel and implementing proper crowd control.
• Shopping centers and stores: Retailers should protect against parking lot muggings, shoplifting-related violence, and carjacking. Having security patrols and cameras can help in these efforts.
• Offices and commercial properties: Employees and visitors need secure entrances, proper keycards or other technology for controlling access, and emergency response plans to prevent violent incidents.
• Hospitals and other medical facilities: Emergency rooms and psychiatric units require security, including controlled entry points and trained personnel to protect staff and patients.
• Schools and childcare facilities: These institutions need to be extra vigilant about preventing intrusions, assaults, and mass violence.
• Religious centers: Given the prevalence of religiously motivated attacks, these should have controlled access, and surveillance and security personnel should be in place.
• Sports stadiums, theaters, and concert venues: Large crowds can create risks of attacks, stampedes, and other security concerns. Measures such as bag checks, trained security personnel, and emergency evacuation are necessary.
• Public transportation hubs: Locations like bus and train stations tend to be targets for theft, assaults, and terrorism-related incidents, so security should be a top priority.
• ATMs and banks: Individuals withdrawing money are clearly targets of robberies – security cameras, well-lit areas, and on-site security personnel are a must in these locations.
• Playgrounds and recreational facilities: While these are public spaces, they still need proper lighting and emergency call stations and should have routine patrols to deter criminal activity.

When it comes to employees, there are important and complicated legal questions about liability. For instance, a slip and fall might be a workers’ compensation issue rather than a lawsuit. However, the factors involved might make it possible to sue a third party or file a premises liability claim. It’s important to speak to an attorney to determine the best way to proceed.

If you have questions about a negligent security case, contact the dedicated lawyers at Soroka & Associates. We’re prepared to discuss your legal options for recovering compensation. Please call us today or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.