Your staff must be educated in all aspects of security so that they are aware of what is on site and what is expected of them.

All staff should be advised to report acts of theft or vandalism immediately to a central recording point clearly detailing the time, place and nature. Regular checks of the premises should be made to identify any existing damage.

They should all be instructed to challenge anyone that they don't recognise or is not wearing correct identification. Where appropriate the 'visitor' should be accompanied back to reception for badging-up or collection by the person they are visiting.

Personal Safety
Personal safety is used in this context as reducing the risk of assault against staff whether on the premises or off-site when on company business.

Employers are now legally bound by Health & Safety regulations to take reasonable care of their employees and to ensure that they are not exposed to unnecessary risk of injury.

Bearing this in mind, arrangements should be made by employers for staff who may be vulnerable to attack either working alone, maybe late at night, or in isolated offices or with having to deal with difficult customers.

A recognised company document should be made available to staff and/or regular training sessions would help ensure that risks to personal safety are minimised.

Guidelines for personal safety should be developed and staff instructed to follow them.

Staff Theft and Fraud
It is an unfortunate fact that much of the loss recorded by companies is through the staff. Much of this goes unrecorded and not reported to the police, the staff members simply being dismissed. A recent survey indicated that 70% of all corporate fraud is committed internally.

The same survey estimates that one in four CVs couldn't be trusted, including undisclosed cases of bankruptcy, County Court judgements, cases of dismissal for fraudulent activity and for theft of property.

All staff should be thoroughly vetted before being hired. Everyone should have their references and dates of previous employment carefully checked - Any gaps in their record should be satisfactorily explained.

This is particularly important where the staff member is likely to be in the vicinity of cash offices or other important or confidential functions

Staff Purchases and Borrowing
Materials, goods and other purchases should be accompanied out of the gate by a written authority or a receipt. Tools or other articles legitimately borrowed where allowed should be accompanied by a similar pass, specifying a time and date for return. They should be checked back by the security officer at the works exit.