Within the last couple of years, there has been a lot more talk about gun safety in the news. However, this is not just an issue for people who are outside of corporate America; it also affects those who work inside of it. For example, if you’re a receptionist at a company and someone walks into your lobby with some type of firearm on their person or hidden away in their bag, then that could be potentially dangerous to you as well. If you think back to all the recent shootings that have happened across America (and took so many lives), then one can see why these types of incidents need to stop happening as soon as possible because they affect everyone including those who work within corporations in different industries.
In light of recent events, it is becoming increasingly more important to have a plan in place for when something goes wrong. An accident on a construction site or in a mine, a cybersecurity breach, and an armed person entering a company premises are all potential workplace dangers. While it is impossible to plan for every possible scenario, it’s crucial to get an idea together about how work-safe protocols should cover different types of security and prevention measures that are currently being enforced by other companies. This article will focus on gun safety protocols and items that can help to increase workplace safety
Procedures
While it is important to have a lockdown procedure in place for an active shooter, it is also important to have a plan for what to do if someone enters the building with a gun. Depending on the risk assessment of whether or not the company is likely to attract someone with a gun (like banks or courthouses), different steps can be taken. If it is deemed that there is a high risk of an armed individual entering the building, then some companies have metal detectors installed at the entrance. This will help to screen people for any type of weapon that they might have on them before they are allowed into the premises. In addition to attempting to prevent any individual is carrying a weapon, companies should consider investing in protective wear for their employees for gun-related emergencies. The market for protective wear is vast, and some products are better than others. By investing value in bulletproof vests and backpacks for their employees, with products that are tested and certified, companies will ensure that in the event of a lockdown people can protect themselves from any gunfire. Using vests can significantly decrease the impact a fired bullet can have and can potentially save lives.
Items to have on hand
In addition to having procedures in place, there are also certain items that a company should have on hand to increase workplace safety. One of these is a panic button. This will allow employees to immediately alert security if they feel unsafe or see something suspicious happening. Employees should also be encouraged to keep a low profile and not draw attention to themselves. In some cases, this might mean hiding or ducking under a desk in the event of an active shooter. Remaining calm and following protocol is the best way to stay safe in these types of situations.
Personal items like body armor should also be considered as an additional layer of protection for employees. These plate carriers can provide extra protection in the event of an active shooter situation. Other items that should be easily accessible and kept on hand include first aid kits, flashlights, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation plans. It is also crucial to regularly train employees on how to use these items properly and efficiently.
Gun safes
While gun safes will not stop someone from entering the building with a weapon, they can help to keep the gun secure in the event of an emergency. If a company decides to allow their employees to bring firearms to work, then they must have a secure place to store them. This will help to prevent any accidents from happening, and it will also keep the guns out of the hands of people who are not authorized to have them.
Bulletproof windows
Windows can be a point of entry for an armed individual, which is why it is important to have bulletproof windows as part of your security protocol. These windows will help to slow down or stop a bullet from entering the building, which could potentially save lives. Banks and other high-risk businesses are good examples of a company that would benefit from having these types of windows installed.
Emergency procedures training
Ideally, there should be different emergency procedures training in any company. This will help employees to be prepared for any type of emergency that might occur. This training should include things like how to respond in the event of an active shooter, what to do if someone enters the building with a gun, and how to react during a fire or a bomb threat. Learning how to communicate and effectively leave the premises are also important skills that employees should have.
While it is impossible to plan for every possible scenario, it is important to have a plan in place for the most common workplace dangers. Any company needs to have a plan in place for workplace safety. By having procedures and items on hand, employees will be better equipped to deal with any type of emergency. Gun safes, panic buttons, and bulletproof windows are just a few examples of the types of security measures that can help to keep employees safe. In addition, emergency procedures training is essential for helping employees to stay calm and know what to do in the event of an emergency. Having a plan in place is the best way to ensure that everyone in the company is safe and knows what to do if an emergency arises.