01 Feb Improving Workplace Security

Improving Workplace Security

Workplace emergencies involving violence, suspicious activity, or other security threats can occur with little or no warning. Although these events are uncommon, employees should know how to recognize potential concerns, report them promptly, and respond according to the company’s emergency procedures.

Preparation—including emergency planning, training, drills, and clear communication procedures—can help employees respond appropriately while protecting themselves and others.

Workplace Security Starts with Prevention

Employers can improve workplace security by:

• Evaluating the workplace for potential security vulnerabilities.
• Establishing procedures for controlling access to buildings and restricted areas.
• Maintaining appropriate security equipment and systems.
• Developing emergency communication, evacuation, and shelter-in-place procedures.
• Establishing procedures for workplace violence and other security emergencies.
• Training employees on emergency plans and their individual responsibilities.
• Conducting drills when appropriate and reviewing procedures afterward.

Employees should become familiar with emergency exits, assembly locations, emergency notification methods, and procedures for obtaining assistance.

Control Access to the Workplace

Security procedures are effective only when everyone follows them. Employees should:

• Wear required identification or security badges.
• Use their own credentials when entering controlled areas.
• Never allow unauthorized individuals to follow them through secured entrances.
• Follow established visitor sign-in and identification procedures.
• Ensure visitors are escorted when required.
• Keep secured doors closed and never defeat locks or access-control devices.
• Report lost or stolen identification badges promptly.
• Report unauthorized persons in restricted areas.

Do not confront or attempt to physically remove an unauthorized individual. Contact a supervisor, security personnel, or law enforcement as appropriate.

Recognize and Report Suspicious Activity

Remain aware of activities and conditions around the workplace. Potential security concerns may include individuals who:

• Attempt to enter restricted areas without authorization.
• Attempt to bypass established security procedures.
• Loiter in restricted or unusual locations without an apparent reason.
• Closely observe, photograph, or record security-sensitive areas or operations under suspicious circumstances.
• Make threats or display threatening or aggressive behavior.
• Attempt to obtain information or access they are not authorized to receive.

Focus on behavior and circumstances—not a person’s race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, appearance, or other personal characteristics.

If something appears suspicious, report the facts you observed rather than making assumptions about the person’s intentions.

Suspicious Packages or Objects

Be alert for packages, containers, devices, or other objects that appear unusual or out of place.

If you discover a suspicious item:

• Do not touch, move, open, or disturb it.
• Keep other employees away from the immediate area.
• Notify your supervisor, security personnel, or emergency authorities according to company procedures.
• Follow instructions regarding evacuation or isolation of the area.
• Do not use radios, phones, or other electronic equipment near the item if emergency authorities instruct you not to do so.

Employees should never attempt to investigate or dismantle a suspected explosive or other dangerous device themselves.

Responding to a Security Emergency

During any workplace security emergency, quickly assess the situation and follow established emergency procedures.

Depending on the emergency, employees may be instructed to evacuate, shelter in place, secure themselves in a protected location, or take other protective action.

Remember:

• Protect yourself from immediate danger.
• Call 911 when emergency assistance is needed and it is safe to do so.
• Follow emergency notifications and instructions.
• Know available exits and alternate escape routes.
• Do not enter or return to a dangerous area.
• Assist others when it can be done safely.
• Follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency responders.

Employees should not unnecessarily place themselves in danger by attempting to confront, investigate, or detain a threatening individual.

See Something, Say Something

Employees often know what is normal for their workplace and may be among the first to notice unusual behavior, unauthorized access, abandoned objects, or other security concerns.

Report suspicious behavior or circumstances promptly. Do not ignore a concern because you are unsure whether it represents an actual threat. Supervisors, security personnel, or law enforcement can evaluate the information and determine the appropriate response.

Remember

Effective workplace security depends on awareness, preparation, communication, and following established procedures. Know your workplace emergency plan, take security requirements seriously, and report legitimate concerns promptly.