Facilities Managers have a raft of responsibilities to take care of every day; one of which is making sure the working environment is safe and secure for all the people working in the building.
Often this responsibility is ticked off the list by contracting with an external security services firm. Security officers are brought in to be the gatekeepers of employee safety. But have you thought about how you can maximise the role of those security officers?
You’re paying for them to be there, and security officers typically like to feel busy and important (like most people do at work). It’s not always obvious how you get the most out of your security team, so here are a few hints and tips.
Regular Patrols
When security officers conducts regular patrols, it serves two purposes: (i) deterring criminal activity, and (ii) reassuring employees. Criminals are less likely to target a location with a watchful eye. And it’s a visible assurance that goes a long way in putting staff at ease and fostering a sense of security.
But you can get so much more out of these regular patrols. We’ve helped some clients to use QR codes on their fire doors. The security officer scans the QR code to report whether it’s closed and free of obstruction. These reports go straight back to the Facilities Manager so you have regular assurance of your health and safety compliance.
That’s just one example, but you can get creative here. Are there any ‘problem’ areas in the building? Perhaps complaints that food is regularly stolen out of a particular fridge. Or a popular, but inconvenient space where people gather to vape? Security officer can help to keep the peace in the building and keep your workforce happy.
On their patrol, officers observe potential safety hazards within the building and report them to ensure a safe work environment. This could include anything from faulty electrical equipment to cluttered walkways.
Monitor Access Control
Beyond physical presence, security officers play a vital role in access control. They verify identification, monitor security cameras, and manage entry points to ensure only authorised personnel enter the building. This creates a crucial first line of defence against potential threats.
Officers are trained to identify and report any suspicious activity, from unrecognised individuals to potential safety hazards. By addressing these concerns promptly, security officers can prevent minor incidents from escalating into something more serious.
Empower your Guards to De-escalate Situations
Most employees do not relish the thought of de-escalating situations at work. They just want to get on with their day job, without conflict or disruption.
But security officers are trained in this skill, which becomes a valuable asset in a conflict-averse workplace. They mediate conflict and calm down agitated individuals.
In the unfortunate event of an emergency, security officers are trained responders. They know evacuation procedures, can provide first aid, and coordinate with emergency services to ensure a swift and effective response.
Threat Detection and Intelligence Gathering
Threat detection and intelligence gathering are additional areas where UK security providers excel. By staying informed of potential risks and implementing preventative measures, they can proactively address any emerging dangers.
Regular Safety Tips
We can help you with your internal communications too. As seasons change, so do the security risks. As we move into spring and summer, more people will cycle to work and need reminders about bike locks and bike safety.
That’s just one example, but officers can share tips about risk mitigation strategies. They can share what they see around the building to keep the workforce up-to-date and aware of small changes that make a big difference to their safety.
Working in Partnership
The main thing to remember to get the most out of your security officers is that it should be a partnership relationship, rather than contractors.
Working in partnership means that the officers are part of the wider FM team. They work in collaboration with others and provide regular and meaningful reports. This means that everyone is aware of the relevant procedures and the workforce feels safe and comfortable at work.
If you’d like to discuss workplace security solutions, or working in partnership with SGS for security and other FM support, please get in touch.
