Last week we wrote about how a business security system can reduce workplace stress. This is a great first step in creating a safer and more enjoyable work environment and can do a great deal in gaining your employees’ trust. A security system goes far, but what about when an emergency happens during office hours?
It’s vitally important for everyone’s safety, productivity, and peace of mind for property or business owners to implement safety procedures and ensure they’re reviewed on an annual basis. Here’s everything you need to consider when creating safety procedures in your office.
Common Misconceptions About Workplace Safety
These days, the word “culture” is thrown around a lot. It’s true that company culture, the perks, can greatly aid you in attracting the kind of employees you’re looking for. But, safety culture is just as important but is a concept that is largely overlooked.
Many companies also talk about their core values and unifying mission, which sets them apart from their competitors. Maybe “safety” isn’t overtly mentioned in your mission statement if your business doesn’t directly work in the safety industry, but safety should absolutely be a priority for every business and property owner.
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again. When your employees don’t feel safe, daily productivity and the company’s bottom line will be directly impacted. We discuss more on safety culture here, but it’s important to understand the basis of the topic in this article as well.
The Basics Of Creating A Physically Safe Workplace
You may think your office is safe because of the location it’s in, but take it from the experts, crime is everywhere and thieves don’t discriminate. If you don’t want to take it from us, take it from one of our vendors.
A security system can be of great importance if something were to happen outside of office hours, which is when commercial break-in’s occur most frequently, but daytime robberies aren’t completely unheard of either. Malls and retail outlets are considerably more likely to experience break-ins, but your company’s assets could be deemed valuable to anyone.
As far as procedures go, a contingency plan can help you determine the steps you need to take in emergency situations and can be customized for different scenarios. You could also consider hiring someone to come in and create policies based on the layout of your building and security systems currently in place. Our team of security experts can assist you in creating a contingency plan based on a security assessment.
Lastly, it’s important to designate the proper emergency exits and make sure everyone in the building knows where they are. An easy way to remind everyone of proper exits is investing in evac maps and placing them in high traffic areas, like above printers or in the kitchen. When you have security procedures in place and emergency exits designated, you should practice emergency drills on an annual basis.
When you automate routine safety procedures, it will greatly reduce employee stress and will prevent the panic that can immediately set in when emergencies happen and no one knows what to do.