In today’s ever-growing digital world, following cyber security protocols has become the norm. In between, many fail to enhance the physical building security of their work premise. This failure can lead to a major security breach, asset losses and tarnish your company’s reputation in case of theft or vandalism.
That’s where physical risk assessments come in handy. Evaluating key safety procedures through a risk assessment process can help you identify key areas of risk and mitigate them in time. Here’s 5 simple steps to get you started:
1. List Potential Risks
The first step is to know the types of physical risks your business may be exposed to. You can list simple factors like the nature of your business, its specific location, and places where crime is likely to occur.
For instance, if an organisation deals in expensive valuables and is located in a crime-ridden area then there could be a potential risk of break-in for which you’d need to increase the number of surveillance systems or security personnel.
Such listings can help you scale up or down your security measures accordingly.
2. Identify Vulnerabilities and Threats
Once you know your risks, you’ll need to assess them to understand how severe they are for your business. Try to gauge the probability of each risk and see which one would occur frequently.
Specific risks that have the potential to cause major damage or loss can be tagged as ‘threats’. Risks that come across as flaws or weaknesses, on the other hand, can be tagged under ‘vulnerabilities’.
3. Do a Site Assessment
A thorough assessment of your physical site will include inspecting key areas of your facility. You can look for any security flaws in and around structures like gates, passageways, doorways, etc. See if the gate latches are in place or whether the doors lock and unlock seamlessly.
Ensure you do a full-fledged maintenance check. Systems not maintained on a regular basis can carry potential risks of threats. Also, assess whether there may be back doors or entries unauthorised individuals could breach, and take specific measures to get them fixed.
4. Conduct Internal Routine Checks
You should also perform a routine check with your company’s internal staff management to mitigate potential risks. If there are any staff working post business hours or at night, are there any checks being followed for them?
You must also ensure adequate protocols are in place for cleaning staff and administrative workers since any leniency can lead to consequences. For instance, someone could leave the door open for easy access without knowing the underlying vulnerability involved.
Have restrictions on who can access secured areas of your building and when, and always ensure you have enough security officers present, as and when needed.
5. Review All Monitoring Systems
As a last but important step, you’d also want to make sure your monitoring systems are in place. Check if all CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, emergency systems and equipment are well-aligned and functioning properly. Make sure they’re tamper-proof and out of reach of intruders.
Also ensure your systems are organised to combat different threat levels for added safety.
Strengthening physical security can go a long way, which is why conducting risk assessments on a daily basis is crucial. Make sure you follow all the necessary steps to fortify your security up a notch or two.
Our fully qualified and highly experienced security guards at Zagame Security Group can attend any site at any time.
We make peace of mind very affordable with our scale of operations. We only charge for the time on site checking your premises, not the travel time to and from your location. You only pay for what maybe a few minutes at your premises each night.
When it comes to protecting your livelihood or assets, don’t take any chances – always use an appropriately licensed security provider.
Secure your property or establishment with Zagame Security Group. Contact us today at 1300 989 676 or at our website for a FREE quote!
