As temperatures rise and doors are flung wide to let the breeze in, offices face greater challenges to maintain security. Your business may be vulnerable to security breaches due to open doors, increased footfall, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The latest crime against business survey data revealed that over one-fourth of all businesses experienced a crime against their staff or property during the past year.
Darren Hines UK Sales Manager at ID Card Printer Specialists Digital ID has revealed four ways you can improve your workplace security this summer to prevent a breach.
Use high-quality ID badges in order to combat the relaxed dress code
The summer weather can improve your workplace, since people are more likely to enjoy spending time outdoors without having to worry about rain. It can also mean you have to loosen your dress code in the office to accommodate warmer weather.
While relaxed dress codes are more comfortable for your employees, they can also be a security threat to your workplace. Unauthorised individuals can blend in with your staff easily without uniforms.
Update your security and front-desk staff with regular employee photos to avoid this. Remind your staff to wear ID badges or Lanyards so they are visible as they pass through the access points.
Re-inforce employee safety training
During summer, workplace safety protocols are often forgotten. Heatwaves make workplaces even hotter and workers open windows and doors to get fresh air. The warmer weather increases security risks, including those posed by open doors and windows.
It’s vital that your employees are regularly trained in workplace safety protocols.
You should also make your employees aware of other risks, such as tailgating and sharing ID badges at security checkpoints. Seasonal training can reinforce any risks that were less prevalent in the winter.
Maintain ID and access control hardware
It’s especially important to maintain and check any ID or access hardware you have installed, particularly with the recent heatwaves. The heat will affect your electronic components, including the battery life, of your card printers, locks, gates and badge readers.
If possible, install shade structures to protect outdoor systems from the sun. Batteries will lose their charge much faster during warmer weather.
Modern access systems are capable of logging any system errors. It is a good idea, therefore, to set up alerts so that you will be notified when the hardware detects a problem.
Tighten protocols around visitor procedures
Employers need to ensure that their staff is aware of the visitor management procedures, especially with summer bringing more foot traffic. This includes contractors, delivery drivers and interns.
It is important to have a visitor’s ID badge that has expiration dates, as well as sign-in/out policies. This will keep your site safe during times of high traffic. A ID Card Printer allows employers to produce ID badges quickly for temporary or new staff. We also encourage staff to confront anyone on site not following correct procedures.
Visit the Digital ID site if you want to know more about control cards or if you need to buy an ID card printer for your website.
The original version of this article, Experts warn that summer heat can put your workplace at risk, first appeared in HR News.
