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Safety Principles in Business to Implement Today

An important aspect of efficient safety principles is the ability to implement them right now.

By Liam SmithPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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Workplace safety

Whether it’s a virus outbreak or a robbery, safety should come first in every line of work. That is why everything from installing hand sanitizers in the bathroom to hiring a security guard constitutes the overall safety measures you undertake as the owner.

In this sense, companies establish policies that are based on certain safety principles. The adherence to these principles, in the long run, determines whether a business can be deemed safe in every meaning of the word. An important aspect of efficient safety principles is the ability to implement them right now.

Use software patches

You can have state of the art hardware installed in your firm but if the software cannot keep up, then safety will be compromised. The biggest issue with company software is the failure to update it. What good is a professional version of a program if your employees fail to click “update?” Just imagine what would happen if you failed to update the anti-virus protection.

All programs, including the operating system, should be set to automate updates. Only when a program is automatically updated as soon as it starts up, will the whole system be protected against technical attacks against your private network. Automatic patching should be the default for every piece of software you purchase.

Improved physical security

Yes, physical security is one of the most obvious safety principles in the corporate world. Company’s assets need to have physical protection, whether it’s a guard at the reception desk or a safe for storing valuables. We have no doubt you already measures of physical protection implemented but there is always room for improvement.

Firstly, all door locks can be updated using security pins, magnetic coding, and RFID technology. The latter can be easily hacked if you fail to update the software managing locks inside the building. You can add an extra layer of protection by ensuring that certain ID cards for employees don’t open all doors inside the building but only the requisite ones.

Just because your physical protection is high-tech, that doesn’t mean that you ought to drop old-school security measures like bars on windows. Breaking a window is among the most common ways burglars invade homes and businesses. Basement windows are especially vulnerable so make sure they are barred.

Besides, an alarm system connected to a policing fast response unit makes the office safer. Finally, if you do business from a large office or an office building, make sure there are at least two security guards: one that monitors the many security cams and another who is constantly patrolling the premises.

Business safety signage and equipment

From the office downtown to a construction site of a high rise, danger lurks at every workplace. The best action you can take against employees and clients getting hurt is to place safety signs in visible places. In fact, safety signs and equipment that goes with them are the surest way to avoid negligence lawsuits. These signs range from “Caution: Wet Floor” to a more topical sign “Thank you for Practicing Social Distancing.” The safety equipment can range from floorsweep absorbents, all the way to PPE.

Run constant training programs

Another important safety principle in business is the availability of training programs for employees. Not only should your staff be able to choose between different training programs (from fire safety to professional orientation) but these programs should run non-stop.

Some programs should be mandatory, like the aforementioned fire safety drills, protection against phishing or e-mail frauds, as well as equipment handling briefings. Other programs can run on a voluntary basis and they should be designed to improve the employees’ skills and competencies.

Even during the job interview, prospective employees ought to go through some sort of training that would acquaint them with general company policies. This way, all employees will get accustomed to constant training programs and won’t find them burdening nor tiring.

A win-win scenario for both employers and employees

Although the popular belief has it that safety policies are implemented to only benefit employees, in reality, both employers and their employees stand to gain a lot. For example, less sick leaves result in higher productivity levels and more revenue which means that workers can hope for bonuses. Finally, if everyone is safe in their workplace, the number of labor lawsuits will drop significantly.

Manage privileged access

We’ve mentioned earlier that not all employees should have access to all the sections of the office building. The same principle of granting or denying privileged access should apply to all aspects of doing business. For example, individual employees should not have the administrator account’s rights. The profile they create to log into the company computer should come with a limited access policy.

Some 54% of companies have banned their workers from accessing Facebook, for instance. In general, make sure that only the employees who need access to certain buildings, areas, files, or folders to complete a particular task have access to them. Since user privileges is serious business, you should hire a maintenance technician to keep track of privileged access.

The best thing about the safety principle listed above is their high level of applicability. Hiring additional security guards, barring windows, and placing safety sings can be completed within a couple of days. This means that these security principles can easily be incorporated into any business model or plan, eventually leading to an increase in revenue.

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About the Creator

Liam Smith

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.

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