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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.