Guidelines for effective workplace security

Offices and places of business can be targets for theft, unlawful entry, kidnapping, bombings, forcible occupation and sabotage. Effective barriers, both physical and psychological can reduce the likelihood of these threats. The following guidelines will help you analyze your office security profile and suggest measures to reduce your target potential.

Conduct a Crime Prevention Assessment – A complete, professional assessment of your security needs is the first step toward an effective security program. Your nearest Federal Protective Service (FPS) office can arrange a risk assessment be performed on your government-owned or leased office or building. (See FPS Organization and Points of Contact).

Since most crimes are directed toward individuals or offices that have little or no security planning in place. Take stock of your present measures and possible weak points. A comprehensive crime prevention assessment should ask:

• What is your target potential?
• What is the prevailing attitude toward security?
• Who is responsible for the overall security program?
• How are security policies enforced?
• When was the current emergency preparedness plan developed (including fire, power failure and disaster)?
• What resources are available locally and how rapid are the response times for fire, police and ambulance?
• What kind of physical security systems and controls are presently used?
• Do the available security resources, policies and procedures meet the potential threat?

For more information visit here.

The Maltz Group offers free on site workplace security assessments.

Call (443) 745-8478 today for a free consultation.

Receive Your Complimentary Quick Business Risk Checklist By Completing The Form on our Home page.

William F. Badzmierowski, M.ED., CSW Director of Instructor Services for CPI has written a great article on workplace violence and its prevention.

“The tragic shooting in Connecticut once again brings workplace violence to the forefront of organizations worldwide. This incident reminds all of us of the critical importance of prevention, preparation, and planning to respond to any kind of emergency, including violence. ”

Mr. Badzmierowski continues on to say that…

“Organizations need to establish one or more committees responsible for workplace violence prevention and response as well as associated policies, practices, training programs, emergency drills, and ongoing follow up and evaluation.  The committee should consist of representatives from management; human resources, employee assistance, frontline employees, legal counsel, and any other organization-specific roles that should be included. The committee should represent stakeholders at every level of the organization. These may include union representatives, media relations specialists, risk management personnel, loss prevention, and security.”

There are many myths associated with workplace violence. Every organization needs to be committed to a comprehensive and ongoing process of assessment, planning, communication, training, and follow-up supported by policies and procedures. Only this commitment can effectively prevent workplace violence.

The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently updated its guidance document Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments that addresses issues causing late-night retail workers to be killed on the job. This is the first time OSHA has updated these guidelines in over a decade.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, U.S. employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance.

Please note that these recommendations are advisory in nature and informational in content. It is not a standard or regulation, and it neither creates new legal obligations nor alters existing obligations created by OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The updated recommendations identify risk factors and describe feasible solutions. Although not exhaustive, these workplace violence guidelines include policy recommendations and practical corrective methods to help prevent and mitigate the effects of workplace violence in late-night retail establishments.

Within these guidelines, OSHA strongly recommends training for all employees at all levels, including supervisors and managers. The document states that all employees should understand the concept of “universal precautions for violence,” which refers to the concept that violence should be expected but can be avoided or mitigated through proper precautionary preparation. Workers need to know the specific hazards associated with their jobs and worksite to help them minimize their risk of assault and injury. OSHA further states that training should include information on worksite specific potential hazards and instructions on how to control those hazards. Training should also include guidance to limit workers from intervening in workplace altercations whenever possible unless enough staff or emergency response teams and security personnel are available.

For more information visit OSHA’s website.

The Maltz Group can assist with this training. Please contact us for available programs.

News provided by CPI.

Seven Tips for Preventing Workplace Violence

1. Assess Your Work Environment
Critically examine all areas of your work environment, including parking lots, entryways, reception areas, work areas, and offices. Is the lighting adequate? Are there convenient escape routes? Do you have a method to summon assistance?

2. Pay Attention to the Warning Signs
Many people who become violent communicate their intentions in advance. Threats from customers, coworkers, or third parties should be reported immediately.

3. Promote Respect
The best way to prevent violence in the workplace is to foster a day-to-day attitude of respect and consideration in your work environment.

4. Eliminate Potential Weapons
Take a mental inventory of objects available in your immediate work area that could be potential weapons. Remove or secure objects that could be thrown.

5. Know Your Violence Response Procedures
Violence Response Procedures are simple plans designed to minimize injury during a violent incident. These procedures should include a plan to summon assistance and move people to a safe area.

6. Trust Your Instincts
Don’t ignore your internal warning system. If you sense impending danger, react accordingly.

7. Use a Team Approach
If you are in a situation in which hostility could occur, use the “buddy system.”

These 7 tips for preventing workplace violence were provided by CPI, an international training organization committed to best practices and safe behavior management methods that focus on prevention.