Employee Newsletters - Security Officers

How Security Officers Can Avoid Workplace Injuries

Employee safety is a major concern for security officers and their employers. Security requires officers to work in multiple workplace environments that contain a variety of safety hazards. These hazards include working in remote locations, low light conditions, construction sites with loud noises, environmental threats, and a variety of other hazards.

It is important for security officers to follow basic safety procedures in order to avoid injury or illness. Workplace injuries can affect employee motivation as well as have a direct financial effect on the employer and employee. All security officers should follow a basic code of safe work practices that includes:

Report all unsafe conditions to your supervisor & mark the unsafe conditions in your log.
In the event of fire, call 911.
Upon noticing a fire in a building, proceed to the nearest clear exit
Only trained and designated workers may respond to a fire or other emergency
Fire extinguishers should be kept clear at all times.
Be prepared to direct the Fire Department to the proper area of the incident.
In the event of an earthquake, evacuate the premises. Stay in a safe area at your post until further instructions. Do not leave your post until properly relieved.
Make a log entry if you note any open and/or dangerous chemical hazards. Keep all unauthorized personnel away from the hazard.
Use a hand rail when climbing stairs.
If a gate or fence is found broken or cut, notify the client via a log entry.
Maintain perimeter and interior security patrols by foot.
Beware of your surroundings & of any unauthorized persons in the workplace.
Stay way from unauthorized areas at the client's site.
Personal visitors are not permitted on the post due to safety reasons.
If there is a walkie-talkie radio at your post, keep it secure at your side. This radio is the number one way to communicate with your supervisor in case of emergency concerns.
The phone at the client's site shouldn't be used for personal calls- only safety reasons.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages at least 6 hours before coming to work or take any prescribed or over the counter drugs which may cause drowsiness.
Prevent bodily injury by keeping floors clear of unnecessary objects. Watch for floors that are unsafe and report any hazard to the client via your daily report.
Prevent bodily injury due to walking into an area that is not properly lit. Always carry a working flashlight on the job. Log any light that has burned out.
Prevent bodily injury due to wearing the wrong type of shoe, which may cause injury. All security officers should wear black steel toe shoes with proper ankle support.
Being aware of your surroundings will prevent bodily injury by being hit by a moving vehicle. Safety vests should be worn when security officers are required to log cars or trucks.
An officer should not operate equipment or machines without permission/instruction.
Never engate in a pursuit of a suspect. Security officers are not trained to pursue and apprehend suspects.
Never apprehend a suspect by yourself. Always seek assistance in any situation that requires contact with a potentially violent individual.
Safety first. NEVER put yourself in a unsafe position. Safety should always be your first concern.

By following these basic security practices security officers can avoid the vast majority of workplace injuries. Workplace safety is the responsibility of everyone.