March 24, 2003—A recent security survey taken from interviews with corporate security professionals by Guardsmark, found that although security professionals and the general public realize there is a threat of more terrorism, their companies are generally complacent about the importance of workplace security and protection. In fact, 70% of security professionals and 54% of the general public say that their companies are “very complacent” about the importance of good security.
Other key findings include:
- 58% of security professionals and 66% of the public perceive that security in the workplace is too loose and relaxed principally because there has not been any terrorism in the United States lately.
- More than half of the American people—54%—report that their companies are not doing anything to prepare for what could happen over the next several weeks.
- At the same time, 96% say the threat from terrorism today is serious, and
- 62% say that a war with Iraq increases the possibility of terrorism.
- Just 41% of the public feels their workplace is very safe and just 33% feel that where their family members work is very safe.
Companies are also ignoring warnings coming from the Department of Homeland Security. Less than 1/3 – 31%—say they take the Homeland Security Warning very seriously and a virtually identical number—30% of security professionals and 27% of the general public—feel it is a very effective system. 61% of the public says a change in the colors does not lead to a change in policies or actions at their firm.
Guardsmark suggest the following precautions for corporate facilities:
- Regulate access to business facilities. Gates, concrete barriers, bollards or even trees and planters can strengthen perimeter control around a building. Staff sensitive access points with trained security personnel.
- Install intrusion detection systems, or review existing systems and repair if necessary.
- Install durable locking hardware on all entrances and maintain strict control of all keys and pass cards.
- Install CCTV cameras at critical points throughout the facility.
- Log in all visitors by name, date, time and name of person visiting.
- Escort all visitors at all times.
- Reserve the right to inspect items carried in or out of the company premises.
- Prohibit any photography of the facility without company authorization.
- Protect and restrict access to elements of the organization that are sensitive to biological or chemical attacks, including water supplies, food preparation areas, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Identify shut-off controls for HVAC system.
- Include in the emergency response plan a specific person responsible for shutting down HVAC system in the event of a suspected chemical or biological attack.
- Ensure that all incoming mail and packages are handled at a centralized, secure location where they can be scrutinized.
- Inspect all incoming mail.
- Never accept unexpected packages.
- Positively identify all delivery personnel.
- Develop strict times for receipt of deliveries.
- Document all deliveries by time, date and name of delivery service.
- Remove all deliveries from the dock or delivery area immediately.
For more information, contact Guardsmark.
