10 easy, affordable ways to tighten up security in your workplace

For complete peace of mind, a business needs an efficient, high quality security system in place, one that addresses the security challenges they face on a daily basis. However, there are also lots of cheap and easy ways you can generally improve security, to complement an alarm, CCTV or access control solution.

Here are 10 easy ways you can tighten up security in your workplace:

Improve lighting. Upgrading lighting systems, or simply turning more of the lights on in key areas, can make it tougher for intruders to enter without being spotted.

Tighten up computer security. Don’t forget about improving your network security. You need a way to back-up your crucial data, limit employee’s access to certain areas/sites and do all you can to prevent your system being hacked into or infected with viruses.

Come up with emergency plans. In the event of an emergency, you and your staff need to know exactly what to do. So, think of every worst-case scenario you can and come up with a plan to tackle each.

Audit your premises for security risks. Just in the same way that you’d audit your premises for fire and health and safety risks, do the same for security. Look at every corner of every building and note down risks – then come up with ways to remove or neutralise those risks. If you don’t have the time or don’t know what to look for, you can always call in a professional to carry out a site survey and make some recommendations.

Teach your staff to be alert.With more eyes on security, there is less chance of suspicious behaviour going unnoticed. Train your staff to be alert and vigilant for security risks relevant to your business, and teach them what to do in an emergency (i.e. give up goods to an intruder rather than risk getting hurt).

Spend some time with your security system. If you already have a CCTV or alarm system in place but you’re not sure you’re getting the full benefit from it – take the time to really understand its functions and benefits.

Decide who is allowed where. Proper door access control is the key to managing large sites, so decide which personnel have access to which areas, and which are restricted, to keep a better handle on security. If someone isn’t where they are supposed to be, an access control system makes it easy to identify.

Improve door and window locks.If your door and window locks are old or flimsy, replacing them is a relatively quick and affordable way to secure your premises. Do the same for equipment too.

Shred confidential waste. If online fraud is a concern to you, make sure all sensitive waste is shredded and disposed of securely.

Be organised. The best way to protect your stock and to quickly identify if anything’s missing is to have an orderly and organised administrative system in place to manage it.