Many businesses take a serious approach to fulfilling building and office security needs.  Discontented workers, theft, sabotage and fire are major security concerns of a business.

Many companies have security procedures to guard against actions by employees who have been fired or who are under pressures from work.  Sometimes upset workers can pose a hazard to themselves and to other workers.  Be alert to changes in your co-workers’ behaviour.  Notice statements they may make that sound like threats against employees or the company.  Know the procedures for protecting yourself from these workers:

• Do not get involved in a verbal argument
• Leave the work area if you feel threatened and go to a safe area
• Report any unusual behaviour to your supervisor and/or company security personnel

The protection of data is an issue in many companies.  Entrance to secure areas where data are kept or can be accessed is carefully controlled.  Employees may need access codes or passwords to enter these areas.

Controlling outsider access

Many companies must be open to the public to do business.  However, the public does not need access to all parts of most office buildings.  Businesses use varied security means to project employees and assets.

Some companies have security personnel who make sure each visitor signs a log.  The log shows the visitor’s name, address and the name of the person or office being visited.  Some companies send an employee to the lobby to escort a visitor back to the office.  In smaller offices, the receptionist may be present in the front office and may screen visitors.

Controlling employee access

At some companies, employees must wear identification (ID) badges.  These badges are used to gain entrance to parts of the building.  The badge may contain the employee’s photo or a fingerprint.  The badge may have a magnetic code.  The code may be read by a card reader to allow entrance to a room or use of equipment.

Some badge codes can be read by proximity readers.  The reader automatically identifies the badge when the wearer is in a restricted area.  The reader sends data to a computer.  The data provides a record of who enters and leaves designated areas, the time of entry and in some instances, the time of exit – all valuable security information.

Your cooperation in wearing your ID helps assure your personal safety and security on the job.  A lost or stolen ID should be reported right away to the appropriate persons.