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A majority of employees say that their physical security at work is important to them, but how many feel prepared to handle emergencies? Safeguard your small business by knowing the dangers of these emergencies and get our best practices to improve your readiness.

The Reality of the Dangers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20,050 workers in the private industry experienced trauma from nonfatal workplace violence in 2020. These incidents required days away from work.

Emergencies small businesses might face:

• interpersonal conflicts escalating into violence 
• external threats imposing danger, such as terrorism
• natural disaster like hurricane, tornado, or evacuation 

Many employees report having faced such an emergency situation at work, yet many still felt unprepared to handle these situations effectively. The need for small businesses to adopt emergency planning is more than just compliance, it also needs to be comprehensive.

Employees demand and deserve leadership in times of crisis. They're not just looking for direction, they're also seeking confidence in their workplace's preparedness and responsiveness. They expect proper reporting and protocol that they can trust.

Crisis-Proofing Your Business

How can small businesses crisis-proof operations with smart planning? Here are actionable steps you can take as it relates to workplace vulnerabilities and your own physical security management:

1. Conduct Physical Security Risk Assessments: Start by identifying the potential crises that could rattle your business. A deep understanding of these risks empowers you to fortify your defenses effectively. Read more about Physical Security Risk Assessments.

2. Develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Your EAP should detail clear communication strategies, evacuation procedures, safety and medical protocols, as well as data and asset protection plans. Crucially, it should also outline a recovery strategy to ensure business continuity post-crisis. Learn more about the purpose and protocols of EAP's for your business.

3. Fortify Again and Again: Creating an EAP is only the beginning. Fostering a culture where safety and preparedness are prioritized involves regular training, drills, and open communication with employees about safety measures and emergency responses.

4. Regularly Review and Update Your Plans: The business landscape and potential threats are always evolving. Regularly reviewing and updating your emergency plans ensures that your business remains prepared for any situation.

Confidence in Your Physical Security

Crisis-proofing your business is about thriving through emergencies with diligence and a commitment to security at every level of your organization. Bridge the gap in preparedness and response strategies by investing into smart planning and proactive approaches. 

Physical Security Risk Assessments are our first step with tailored, written EAP's and monthly remote management suggested right behind.

If you're ready to take your workplace safety to the next level, contact us to schedule a consultation with our experts. We help small businesses create a secure environment for their employees, customers, and visitors, enabling you to build resilience and confidence while keeping everyone safe.

Sourced statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/violence/fastfacts.html