Physical security

Physical security and operational capability

The operational capabilities of any workforce, its ability to perform its designated function, efficiently and to accepted standards is dependant, in no small part, on the physical security of the employees.  The issue of physical security takes on even greater importance when dealing with workers in potentially hazardous environments and occupation – workers at oil refineries, heavy industry, vital infrastructure, police and security personnel.

These people wok in situations where consideration of physical security is vital to their piece of mind and their ability to do the tasks they are meant to do.
Employers in sensitive, hazardous or sensitive organizations have an obligation to protect employee’s physical security.  This obligation to physical security is not only to the employees, but also to their families and the public who interests are served by preserving their physical security.

Physical security considerations

Physical security can mean many things to different individuals.  Physical security for a bank teller or a cashier in an all night gas station can be a armored cubicle with bullet proof glass.  For the technicians in vital infrastructure control center, physical security can center on security equipment and protocols that prevent unauthorized entry.  For the police officer or security officer, physical security can relate to adequate weaponry and protective clothing that can withstand the impact of a bullet.
When deciding what physical security precautions, equipment and protocols are best needed for your particular situation, a number of preliminary factors must be considered:
•    Risk assessment – how great are the risks and from what direction do you envisage them originating from.  How are the risks a danger to personnel’s physical security?  Weapons fire, explosives, non-conventional threats, abduction?  Try to assess the likelihood of specific threat scenarios and arrange physical security measures in accordance.
•    Measure operational considerations and restrictions against physical security demands and protocols.
•    Consult with employees for whom the physical security implementation is intended.  Do they have ideas or concerns regarding physical security and the methods and equipment intended to be used to provide them physical security?
•    Finally, consult a security company experienced in the area of physical security for employees.  Nine time out of ten, they will have an insight into physical security needs and solutions that benefits from their experience and the fact that they can look at the situation through unbiased eyes.