1:3 Staff Feel Safe
26 June 2019
Expert Security UK recently carried out a survey asking “has your employer taken actions to ensure you feel safe in the workplace?”
Just 14.2% of men surveyed said they felt “a little safe but, still cautious” or “not safe at all”. There is a clear divide between the genders, as the figures jump to 20% of women who feel either cautious or not safe at all.
The results show there is still work to be done to ensure staff feel safe when they arrive and leave their place of work and during business hours.
There are many ways an employer can ensure they health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
1. The Car Park
If there is one, this will be the first point of contact for employees and customers, it is essential it is secure. One of the best ways to deter crimes outside is by improving visibility, which means ensuring pathways, doorways and entrances are well illuminated. Eliminate as many shadowy areas as possible as these are ideal spots for attackers to hide. Consider installing emergency phone lines in easy to reach places; employees will feel safer knowing they can access help quickly and easily.
2. CCTV
One of the biggest deterrents when it comes to any criminal activity is CCTV. Knowing they are being watched and any footage could be used to identify and prosecute them can be a powerful way to discourage people from acting maliciously. CCTV can also support staff members feel safe.
Start by installing good quality CCTV cameras at entrances, exits, gateways and doors. A poor-quality camera may do the same in terms of acting as a deterrent but, in the event the footage is required, it is important the details can be seen clearly.
3. The Business Premises
The next step should be to protect the premises of the organisation. Where necessary and reasonably practicable, use gates and fences to secure potential entry points and strong locks and fob systems in place where only staff members can gain access. Also consider installing motion detectors and alarms which not only sound locally but, can also alert the authorities if a breach is detected.
4. Online Safety
In today’s online world, cybersecurity is an incredibly important step to take when ensuring employees feel safe. Consider investing in a training course for staff which covers the basics of cybersecurity, such as phishing scams, how to tell the difference between secure and insecure connections, making sure downloads are safe from viruses and the importance of using strong passwords.
5. Workplace Harassment
It isn’t just outside threats employers should be aware of. A great deal of harassment and bullying can go on inside the organisation. Verbal bullying can create tension between staff members and if left unchecked, could escalate.
Consider sending management to training seminars which focus on anti-bullying and equality in the workplace. Make sure policies are communicated to all staff members so they are aware of them, know what to do in the event of an incident and feel confident you will support them.