by Tommy Smith | Aug 9, 2017 | Business Security Cameras
Making Your Commercial Propety More Secure. Protection Concepts provides security tools to make your commercial property secure. Beyond the tools we provide, there are things you can do to protect your commercial property and business.
Here is a check list of items for…
Making Your Commercial Propety More Secure
All of your walkways and driveways should lead to a controlled entrance. It is important to make a clear distinction between public space and private space on your commercial property. By doing this your employees will have a sense of ownership and unwelcome strangers will have a difficult time blending in.
Well maintained property deters crime. Remove weeds, graffiti and any debris. Bushes should be no higher than 3 feet and well-trimmed. Besides deterring criminals, it also enhances your business image.
Your parking lot should be well-lighted and visible from inside your space.
It is a good policy to have some interior lights on during the nighttime hours.
Your receptionist should occupy a space to greet and screen all visitors entering your space.
Check to make sure any access from your roof is secure.
Your exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.
Keys are important to the security of your business. You should put in place a Master Key Policy.
Conclusion
This check list is an inexpensive way to add security to your commercial business. If you want additional help with your commercial building security, give us a call at Protection Concepts. One of fully trained staff will sit down with you to develop a complete security package.
by Tommy Smith | Aug 9, 2017 | Business Security Cameras, BUSINESS SECURITY SYSTEMS
Does Video Monitoring Violate Your Employees Privacy Rights?
Last week a small business owner asked me, “If I use video monitoring in my business, does this violate my employee’s privacy rights?” Great question! The short answer is No. The federal law does not prevent video monitoring even when the employees do not know or consent to being monitored.
Let me dig deeper into this question.
According to the US Department of Commerce, employee theft contributes to 30% of the small business failures. While employees have a legitimate right to workplace privacy, it must be balanced with the right of the employer to protect themselves from employee actions that may harm their business.
The Benefits of Video Monitoring
Installing video monitoring in the work place will usually reduce theft and crimes that may occur in your work place.
You can use video monitoring to evaluation employee performance.
Workers’ comp experts say cameras can be effective in preventing fraud. Rebecca Shafer, president of Amaxx Risk Solutions Inc. in Hartford, Connecticut, said major retailers such as the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. have used security footage to help investigate comp and liability claims.
Many business insurance companies offer business insurance discounts when you install security cameras.
The Disadvantages of Video Monitoring
The biggest disadvantage is video monitoring creates a potential for litigation and claims involving invasion of privacy.
Unions do have the right to negotiate in their collective bargaining process the use of video monitoring.
You never want to install video monitoring in bathroom or changing places. It is always safer to avoid hidden cameras.
Best Practice
Your best practice is to ensure employees are aware about the information collected from video monitoring. There may be situations when a particular employee is not made aware of the video monitoring, such as suspected employee theft.
If you are considering video monitoring for your business, give us a call. We will explain all of your options so you can take advantage of video monitoring while eliminating the disadvantages.
