Although there's nothing new about perils on the job, the dangers facing workers today—from deranged employees with firearms to the threat of mass terrorism—are increasingly complex and dangerous. This makes it essential to integrate a security policy into how your business operates, rather than seeing it as an add-on service. For guidance on common business safety issues, see Business Safety and Security Risks.
Use this questionnaire to assess your readiness and ability to create and maintain a secure workplace:
Security checklist
- Do you check references and conduct background checks when hiring new employees?
- Are supervisors trained to heighten awareness and use conflict resolution?
- Do you have written policies covering employee theft, workplace violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities in the workplace?
- Are employees told to report any strangers they see in the facility or on company property?
- Are employees instructed never to lend their security badge, keys, access cards, etc. to anyone?
- Do you use surveillance cameras to monitor high-risk areas of your facility, such as loading docks, warehouses, and outdoor storage areas?
- Are keys and access codes or cards given only to employees who need them to gain access to their work area(s)?
- Do you recover keys, access cards, and ID badges when employees leave the company?
- Are locks and codes changed after any incident of suspicious activity, or when an employee with access to critical areas or information is fired or leaves under strained circumstances?
- Are computers protected by passwords known only to operators and other authorized personnel?
- Do you require all visitors to sign in and out at a central reception area and be escorted to and from their destinations within the facility?
- Are employees required to enter and leave the facility through assigned entrances and exits?
- Are staff members trained to identify suspicious packages and know what to do if one arrives?
Our agency's professional staff would be happy to provide a complimentary review of your security procedures and recommend upgrades to make them even more effective.
If your operations include loading docks, warehouses, or outdoor storage areas, review practical guidance on Safety in Distribution Centers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we update access codes and recover badges?
Update codes and recover badges immediately when an employee leaves or after any suspicious incident; otherwise review access regularly, at least annually.
Should background checks be done for all hires?
Background checks are recommended for positions with access to sensitive areas or valuable goods; follow consistent policies that comply with local laws.
What should employees do if they find a suspicious package?
Employees should avoid touching the item, move away, notify a supervisor, and follow your facility's emergency procedures.
Are surveillance cameras effective for reducing workplace crime?
Cameras can deter theft and provide evidence after incidents, but they work best alongside written policies, access controls, and staff training.