As a business owner, you want to stay on top of your physical security by offering your business and its employees the best protection possible. It’s a wise idea to invest into physical security, but do you know the top physical security risks to look out for? Here are the top 5 physical security risks- and how to protect your business.
Top 5 Security Risks:
- Crime/Theft
Since early 2020, there has been an increase in small crime and theft among businesses. Businesses have been experiencing a rise in robbery, vandalism, burglary, shoplifting, theft, and fraud. A new trend includes “flash mob” style burglaries, where criminals strategize to commit theft in a group, making it harder for theft to be stopped. According to NRF’s 2020 Organized Retail Crime Survey, 75% of retailers reported an increase in organized crime in 2020. The rise in crime can be partially blamed on the move to online shopping after the pandemic. With more customers shopping online, businesses were more vulnerable to crime.
- Workplace Violence
As a business owner, it is your job to make sure that all your employees feel safe while at work. Did you know in a recent report from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 1 in 7 employees do not feel safe at work? This number can be alarming considering employees are spending at least 40 hours of their week at work. Workplace violence is a real threat at every job. Examples of workplace violence include verbal abuse, threats, physical assaults, and even homicide. Typically, it is the employer’s responsibility to prevent workplace violence, as they are considered liable if they fail to prevent situations through checks and balances.
- Natural Disasters
The threat of natural disasters has been increasing for businesses, seeing that weather related disasters have increased over the past 50 years. Looking into the future, we can expect to see more weather-related natural disasters. Businesses need to lock down their assets during natural assets by having superior physical security. It should be your top priority to keep your employees and assets safe. Although it is still wise to have insurance plans in case of natural disasters, you should provide physical protection that will decrease the need for costly repairs. Some security systems can utilize early threat detection, better protecting your business in the time of natural disasters. This gives your employees time to protect themselves and lockdown your business.
- Biosecurity
The recent pandemic has made it apparent that when viruses spread rapidly through a business it severely hurts the workforce. In January of 2022, we saw a brief labor shortage in America as over 9 million workers called out with COVID-19 during the same week. Many businesses had no choice but to suspend operations until staff were back on their feet. Implementing good biosecurity can save you money in the long run and maintain productivity. New contact tracing makes it easier for businesses to keep their employees healthy. Your most essential asset as a business is your employees, and it is your responsibility to keep them both physically safe and healthy.
5. Remote/Hybrid Employees
With millions of employees transitioning to hybrid and remote work, the roles of physical security have evolved to include more complex areas. It can be hard to keep track of employees coming and going, so many businesses have relied on visitor management tools to manage employees working a hybrid schedule. With the emergence of remote work, cybersecurity is at the top of the list regarding physical security risks. An employee who works remotely puts your network’s data at risk for cyberattacks. As the way we work evolves to include more proactive approaches, we must evolve how our security works too.
How Should I Protect My Business?
You should consider protecting your business by investing into high quality physical security. Consider securing your property from the outside in using alarm systems and motion detectors. Install security cameras and bright lights to keep criminals away from your business. You should have an emergency plan readily available for when physical security threats are detected. Remember to routinely assess your emergency plan to include new policies regarding security.
United Security Incorporated | Video Surveillance Systems
We know every client’s risks and business objectives are different requiring customized approaches, policies, procedures and requirements.
For 30 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent and technology implementation.
When it comes to the security of your building, it's best not to leave it up to chance. Be sure that you have made every effort possible to keep your property, employees, and visitors well protected. If you have any concerns, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company.