Corporate Security

Importance of Security Guards in Healthcare industry

Security guards who are trained to work in Healthcare facilities have their work cut out for them. Not only do they need to guard the facilities against external threats, but also have to often protect the patients from harming themselves. Those who work in mental health units need to be especially careful. Some recent findings have reported that there has been a 22% increase in violence in mental health facilities and as a whole, healthcare violence also appears to be rising. This brings to light the importance of incident reports that security officers file. With a properly written incident report, many future eventualities can be avoided. Which brings us back to the importance of hiring security guards who don’t shy away from paperwork. Every report filed by security officers in healthcare is critically evaluated to look for opportunities to reduce risks to patients. Many times this is based on individual behaviour of patients, which needs to be carefully monitored not only by the hospital staff but also security. A healthcare security officer needs to be not only physically capable but also mentally sound and responsible. Each report filed needs to be credible and factually correct. When hiring a security agency for your healthcare establishment, make sure that they provide a complete security cover that includes security for people, property and assets. Some of the most talented people work in hospitals, that includes researchers and surgeons which can be targeted by anti-social elements. Also, the hospital equipments can cost a fortune. It increases the responsibility of security guards to provide a safe and secure environment for the hospital to work and for the patients to recover. Some of the basic functions provided by Healthcare security officers are – Inspecting the facilities Active security monitoring and patrolling Escorting employees and guests Watching patients All security personnel who work in healthcare are trained in crisis management through non-violent use of force, CPR, Hazmat and healthcare regulations. Powered by Colm

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Corporate SecuritySecurity Company London

Useful security tips for small businesses

A lot of small business owners often neglect taking active security precautions till the time there is a serious incident. However, as a small business owner you should understand that you are equally (if not more) prone to burglaries and thefts as any other bigger business. Here are some tips you can follow: Don’t base all your security solutions on just one single method (for example, CCTV cameras), instead, use a variety of measures. Train your staff well in handling suspicious behaviour. They should always be on alert against any suspicious activity under their watch. Regularly, check your alarms and other security systems to ensure that they are working in proper condition. From time to time, whenever you change your key holder, make sure that their details are updated with the Police. Also evaluate your insurance policies and check to see if you need any additional cover. Refrain from putting up a ‘We are closed’ board as it could easily be an invitation for thieves. Check all access points to ensure that they can’t be tampered with easily. Tag all your equipments and machinery as a deterrent. Don’t keep a lot of cash in office and also vary your cash transfer routine to the bank every time. Keep an eye out for crimes in your locality or against similar businesses in the area. Always keep your business well lit, even at nights. Where possible use break-in alarm systems, silent alarms and motion detectors. Switch to card access system for better security. Use security guards. They act as the best possible deterrent! Also; Restrict access to sensitive areas in the building. Shred any documents that contain personal information securely so that it may not fall in wrong hands. Conduct a background search before hiring any employee. Security company in London Powered by Colm

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Construction Security

6 Tips for protecting your construction site

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of incidents reported at construction sites. Security measures are not only expected, but essential for the protection of any construction site as they are not only prone to crimes like thefts and vandalism, but can also be easy targets for terrorists. Here are some tips to protect your construction site: Mark your equipment – To prevent theft of your equipment and machinery, you should inscribe the name of your company or its logo into every bucket and shovel. You could also use paint or UV markers for the job, but paint can be washed off with chemicals and UV markers are not visible to the naked eye and thus are not as effective a deterrent. Report any missing equipment to the manufacturer – Almost all big manufacturers keep a record of the equipments they sell. You can ring them up and they will keep an eye out for it in case someone brings it in for repairs. Bolt it down – Generators and lighting are easily susceptible to theft. You should bolt them down to the ground using steel plates and locks so no one can just tow them away. Provide ample lighting – Use bright white lights to cover your construction site. They provide for a good quality color differentiation to identify faces and number plates easily. Also make sure that they don’t blind-sight the observers. Restrict visitor access – Your site will involve frequent visits from contractors and laborers. You should thus restrict access to whoever visits your site by following a proper gate security procedure. Use security patrols – In addition to following the above tips, you should also hire a responsible security guard company such as us to provide for active patrolling of your site. Believe it or not, some insurance companies don’t pay for the entire cost of replacing your equipments in case of an accident. Having human security guards patrol your site can really save you a lot of trouble! For more tips on Construction Site Security, you can download Construction Site Security by Michael J. Arata from Google Books. To book a free Site Risk Assessment of your construction security site, call us on 020 3288 0000/0011 or email info@g3security.co.uk. Powered by Colm

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Construction SecurityCorporate SecurityEvent SecurityRetail SecuritySecurity Company London

The importance of a detailed site risk assessment in the security industry

Site risk assessment before commencement of any new sites Risk assessment is a logical as well as consistent method of assessing the assets, their vulnerabilities, associated risks and their impact. By conducting a detailed site risk assessment, you can reduce the damage from any potential risks to an acceptable cost. To understand the importance of a detailed site risk assessment in the security industry, we need to familiarise ourselves with a few terms: Risk – It is the potential of loss or damage to an asset. Asset – It can be a person or property, information or activity; anything with value to it’s owner. Impact – It is the amount of damage or loss that could be caused by an adversary. Threat – It is the potential to cause damage or loss to the asset. Adversary – It can be anyone – a group or an individual, that wants to cause damage to an asset. Vulnerability – It is any weakness that can be used by the adversary to access the asset. Countermeasures – These are actions on the part of the owner, taken to reduce vulnerabilities. Cost-Benefit Analysis – It is part of the decision making process where the management considers the costs and benefits of each proposed alternative and selects the most viable option available. What can a professional Risk Manager do for you? While identifying potential security risks for your site, the Risk Manager would look for ways to: Reduce damage to your business Eliminate or control any indicators Utilise your security budget in a cost-effective way Minimise intelligence collection by any adversaries They will then formulate a strategy to – Identify vulnerabilities in security Manipulate indicators to deceive your adversaries Apply countermeasures Modify countermeasures from time to time The strategy they develop would depend on the needs of your organisation, the current laws and policies in place, expected risks to your site as well as your security budget. With a professional risk assessment of your new site, we will assess your assets, threats to them and  any vulnerabilities that can be exploited. We will then go on to assess risks and devise countermeasure options for you to implement, and at each step of the way we will advise you with the costs and benefits, so you would always know what to expect and decide on what is necessary. For a FREE site risk assessment call us now on 020 3288 0000/0011 or email  info@g3security.co.uk. Powered by Colm

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Security Company London

Want to be a security guard? Here’s what you need to know about the job

The job of a security guard is extremely challenging. Your responsibilities may include protecting people or keeping houses and companies safe and secure from intruders and thieves. If you are seriously thinking of taking this as a profession, the below information is intended to provide a brief knowledge about the job requirements and responsibilities. Skills: A security  guard is required to have some basic set of skills. Such as: Politeness Well-mannered Honest and Responsible Good level of physical fitness Basic understanding of technology Good decision-making skills Brave, focussed, and Alert Good writing skills for making short reports Qualification: Most security guard jobs  require the candidate to have a Security Industry ( SIA) front line license. The SIA licencies vary depending upon the  different roles ie. CCTV operation and Personal Security might require different security license. So it’s essential to make sure that the training course you are taking covers your field of interest.   For any SIA license,  you’ll have to pass the SIA training from a college or centres which offers it.  Your criminal history is of importance and  should be clear  as these are checked regularly by most hiring security agencies Job:  As a security official, you might work  in different kinds of  industry. Each role varies and is proportional to the industry you are working in.  Common roles include: Patrolling or monitoring premises like companies, houses, or airport. Providing personal security Safe and secure transport of valuables or individuals from one point to another Customer care and assistance Guarding Doors Dog handling Working hours: Most security jobs involve working in shifts. The hours may vary depending about  the role or the needs of the situation. You can expect to work for around 48 hours/week. Powered by Colm

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Security Company London

Which equipments are used by security guards?

Security guard jobs involve protecting both people and property. They look out for any threats or illegal activities and also limit access to sensitive areas. Upholding the law often means that they can be easily susceptible to many unforeseen dangers. Even though specialist security guards working in high-level security duties use specialised gear, for others in the business it’s similar, regular equipment. Everyday tools Security officers normally carry a flash-light with them, the size of which depends on their duty. They also carry walkie-talkies, however now some guards rely on their cellphones. In addition, they use handcuffs to detain people who may come off as suspects and keep emergency kits like fire and first aid within reach. Some security guards also carry a whistle or a hand-held alarm to use in emergencies. Uniform Security personnel often wear a hat or a jacket that sets them apart from the general populace. Sometimes they carry a badge or have a patch sewn in their clothing that says ‘Security’. Their uniforms are designed for comfort as they often work for long hours at a go. Sometimes, they also wear gloves or masks when conducting physical searches for harmful material. Monitoring To monitor people or property, security guards use equipments like CCTVs, binoculars, audio recording devices, metal detectors, x-ray screens, etc. They can also be using vehicles such as a bike or a van to patrol an area. Self-Defence Sometimes, security personnel may be called on to defend themselves, their client or the general public. In order to do so effectively, they are trained for physical intervention. an initial health and safety assessment is done to ensure guards safety and reviewed regularly. Office Work For their daily work, security officers also need to submit reports or duty logs. They do it by filing reports on a computer or by carrying a log book. They might also need equipment such as access control key-cards or barcode badges to access restricted areas. Powered by Colm

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Construction SecurityCorporate SecurityEvent SecurityRetail SecuritySecurity Company London

Why security automation can never replace security guards

With the advent of sophisticated technology in the security industry, many private and public sectors have turned towards it for their security solutions. This has resulted in creating the conception that there is no more need of security guards. Which is an extremely dangerous idea, both for the companies and the security industry. Here are a few points why technology can never replace security guards Flexibility: Unlike technology which can be installed only at particular set points and have limited scanning perspective which can create blind spots, security guards provide the advantage of movement. Decision-making: Programmed systems can handle only a set of problems. Security guards are versatile decision-makers and capable of adapting themselves to any unexpected situations. Real-time response: Quick response is an important aspect when it comes to security. Compared to automated systems which only prompt police officials during emergencies, security guards respond and can tackle emergencies in a very short period. Cannot be hacked: In today’s world, where every system is prone to hacking, trained security guards provide a reliable solution. A human element: Having security guards taking care of you provides a sense of assurance which no amount of technology can. Also, unlike technology, the interaction is more direct and rich. Human barrier: From a thief’s point of view, it is extremely easy for him to plan and overcome technology than a security guard. The reasons being the unexpectedness and emotional elements which come with a security guard. An intruder will think twice before attacking a security personal rather than technology for the fear of an undesired outcome. Having stated the above, there is no intent of devaluing technology in any way. It’s just to showcase how some aspects covered by security guards are irreplaceable. In-fact, with proper training and knowledge, if we could couple guards with technology, it could prove to be the ultimate security solution.

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Security Company London

Security guards in London: What do they do and where do you find them

The City of London is equally bustling with life and energy throughout the year. From shoppers on Regent Street to workers travelling on a century old Underground Tube network, everyday is welcomed with a crowd of rush, and just like any other big city around the world, London too becomes a target for unsocial elements – thieves and robbers. As such, almost every organisation employs their own security guards to safeguard its interests. Going by present statistics, the total number of private security officers in London far outnumber the number of Police personnel. Security guards in London are responsible for – Preventing crimes and unauthorised activities by guarding people and premises against any unlawful activity such as theft or criminal damage. They are also responsible for reporting any such activity to the Police and ensuring that all evidence remains preserved in its place at the scene of crime. Reducing losses to their employers by preventing wastage of resources and any damage to the property caused by miscreants. Monitoring any and all safety risks actively by detecting and aptly responding to any potential hazards. It could be something as little as a spill on the floor that can invite a lawsuit if someone slips and gets hurt. Acting as gate security by regulating entry and exit to the property. They are also responsible for maintaining a log book when they work at the reception. Taking care of any emergencies between the time they happen and the authorities (Police, Fire Department, NHS Ambulance, etc.) arrive; and then supporting the authorities with the relief work. London security teams also conduct regular evacuation drills with building occupants to maintain a high level of preparedness in case an actual emergency may arise. It’s not too hard to spot a security guard in London. They are employed by almost all organisations who have something to protect. Some common roles for security teams involve working as Gate security Reception security Event security Bouncers Floor assistants Night porters Hotel security Construction Security Retail security Key holding Mobile patrolling Health Care security Office security Personal security escort Mobile security escort Powered by Colm

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Security Company London

Corporate Security Planning in 4 Easy Tips

If you don’t already have a proper corporate security plan in place, you should make it your top priority to get one ready as soon as possible. Your corporate security plan will work as an umbrella document that would govern and guide security measures across your work place. It will include everything from screening candidates before employment to managing visitors. Corporate Security Planning in 4 Easy Tips: 1. The one standard plan for everything It is very important that while devising this plan you think of it as a standard which will be followed throughout all your office buildings, and not just one of them. It will ensure that there is a consistency in your rules and procedures for security across all of your corporate domain. Also, you can use it as a basic security guideline and then include other building specific plans for each office, ensuring that any location doesn’t miss overlook any security concerns. 2. Make it universally liable Having a corporate security plan in place that is universally liable across all your offices will ensure that no one can circumvent around the rules when it comes to liability. It works in the same way as the constitution will to look after the well-being of the citizens. Think of every security issue and it’s impact and include everything in the plan, from firearms policy to emergency measures. 3. Think broad Don’t limit yourself to problems faced in just your office or as you see it. Invite different department heads for their opinion. Don’t set conditions which are too specific, instead keep them flexible enough to include all situations where they can be used as guidelines to follow by your staff and security officers. For example, in one of your offices a security guard may be responsible for visitor control, whereas in the other it may be the job of a receptionist. 4. Rope in the experts Always ask the experts to help you with your security plan. Take advantage of your security company’s expertise in the matter and sit down with them to discuss possible threats and risks. For a bigger office, you might also want to set up a security committee which will overlook all security measures that would be put into place. For a free security risk assessment, contact us now at info@g3security.co.uk or call us on 020 3288 0000/0011.

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Security Company London

How to organise a safe and successful event

Any event organised anywhere in the world is prone to multiple security hazards. It takes days of planning and hard work to organise a successful event without any incident. Follow these tips before you start organising your own event: Figure out the challenges Think about the challenges that you’ll face with the upcoming event. The ideal place to start would be considering the type of event that it is and what sort of protective measures would be needed. Would you require to control crowds, prevent thefts or guard against sabotage? Are there going to be any VIPs present who would need additional protection? Sit down and figure out all the challenges that you might face. Ask for expert assistance Once you know the kind of challenges that you’ll be facing with the event, you can start looking for the type of security you’ll need. If it’s a small gathering, you can get away with a small contingent of security guards, but for a bigger event you might want to rope in a complete event security agency. It will allow you to focus your attention on other important topics relating to your event. Your event protection agency would provide you with professionally trained personnel who are apt at handling all kinds of emergencies. They will not only control the crowds and prevent against vandalism or sabotage, but will also look at any other lapses in safety measures, such as potential fire hazards. Plan for success Ideally, you should involve the security staff in the planning of your event from the very beginning. This would give them ample amount of time to conduct a site risk assessment and then advice you with the list of things that need your attention. Any professional event protection agency would assess risks based on the type of the event, its size, where it is being organised and what or who would need to be protected. The agency would then employ any measures at its disposal that would be necessary to help you organise a safe and successful event. For a free site risk assessment, you can contact us directly at info@g3security.com or call us on 020 3288 0000/0011. Find out more on How to organise a safe and successful event and other such useful tips in our information section Powered by Colm

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