Making Your Workplace More Secure | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

We don't like to think about it, but let's face it when it comes to security issues, we're better off taking proactive steps to ensure we're safe than face the consequences. While we often take a stand when we're securing our home, we tend to be more lax when it comes to securing our workplace.
Maybe that is because we assume it is someone else's responsibility. The fact is, security is everyone's responsibility and the steps you take now can keep you and everyone you work with safer.
Here are some basis tips to get you started. They will not only make your workplace more secure, but help prevent theft as well.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keeping track of personnel.

Many office's have unknown vistor's often for maintenance, interviews, business opportunities, etc. it is important that they are properly registered.

I recommend: Challenge visitors or individuals walking through your office. Try to determine who they are visiting by asking if they need assistance. Use vistor passes for all guests.

Keep your access keys secured.

Do not share your access card or keys with anyone.

I recommend: Do not let anyone into the building with your access keys or card as you enter after regular business hours.

Keep all entry doors closed.

It is optimal to keep all doors locked and secure.

I recommend: If you find a building entry door propped open after normal hours, close it.

Shredding confidential documents.

Is not only important but also a law in some cases (HIPPA) to shred sentitive documents or lock them up.

I recommend: A good confetti cut shredder will help dispose of senstitive information that is no longer needed.

All valuables should be hidden.

Your valuables should be hidden in your car and doors locked. If you have valuables in your office be sure to keep them out of sight and locked.

I recommend: Always keep valuables out of sight, including purses, cash and stamps. Lock them in a desk drawer or file cabinet if possible.

The reception area should not be unattended.

Your reception will be the person to guide your vistors in the right direction. This area should be attended to during business hours and locked before & after hours.

I recommend: Never leave your reception area unattended or entrance doors propped open.

Utilize your desk drawers.

Keep your desk clean and organized.

I recommend: Use desk trays, file folders, and other desk supplies to keep important items and information locked neatly in your desk.

Know who is walking in and out of your office.

For high secure areas consider surveillance equipment.

I recommend: Using security and web cameras to view your entrances.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Beware! The following are some common pretenses used by thieves to gain entrance into offices or to distract you:
A thief may engage you in conversation while mentally making a survey of your office and return later.
A thief may call and fabricate a reason for you to leave the office so that an accomplice may enter.
Be aware of solicitors. Even though some of these people are legitimate, others are only "casing" the area for a potential future burglary.
It bears repeating: Security is everyone's responsibility. Take these proactive, preventive security measures to ensure the safety of your office and property.
As always, if you notice any suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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