Protecting your business

A workplace should be safe for both the people who work there and those who are customers, but sometimes forces outside of your control, such as vandalism, loitering, and public drunkenness, can create an unsafe environment. As a business owner what should you, and can you, do?

Health and Safety        Protecting Property        Closing Time Checklist      Funding and Resources

Health and Safety

Under Occupational Health and Safety legislation, both employers and employees have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe. One of the many ways to do this is to complete a risk assessment:

Identify the hazard

• Look at all aspects of the business:
  • Nature of the work activities – do you work with the public? Is alcohol involved? Is there easy access to objects that can be used as weapons?
  • Working conditions
  • Design of work environment – inside and outside; sightlines
• Review previous accident/incident reports
• Inspect the workplace

Identify the risk

• What’s the probability an incident can or will occur?
• What is the potential injury severity?
• Risk = probability x severity

Find solutions

• What are you currently doing in the workplace to lower the risk of violence?
• Is it working?
• Ideally eliminate the hazard or if not possible then look for ways to mitigate the risk.

Implement/make recommendations

• Requires cooperation and participation of everyone
• Assign roles and responsibilities for incorporating solutions
• Monitor and evaluate changes for effectiveness

Most jurisdictions require businesses to implement an anti-violence and anti-harassment policy. Even if it is not a requirement, having these policies in place is a best practice to help keep the workplace safe. 

Violence relates specifically to a physical threat or behaviour.

Harassment relates to inappropriate or offensive attitudes, words, or behaviours. 

CFIB members can access template policies in the Member Portal. 

Protecting Your Property

It’s the stuff nightmares are made of – arriving at your place of business to find windows smashed, inventory missing, and untold damage done. So, what can you do to keep your business safe when it’s closed?

Doors are the most common access point for burglars since they can be easy to open. When choosing doors for your business, consider the following:

• Exterior doors should have high security deadbolts.
  • Consider deadbolts with anti-saw latches
• Side and rear doors should have extra security such as a gate or bolts and be of substantial construction.
• If door hinges are on the outside, put in a non-removable centre pin to prevent tampering.
• Overhead doors and bay doors should have a padlock.
• Avoid hollow-core or panel doors on the exterior.
• Glass panels should be reinforced with burglar-resistant film or metal bars.
• Ensure illumination of all doors from above and protect the light fixtures from breakage.

Windows are another easy entry point for burglars. While your windows add to the overall aesthetic of your building, it’s important that they also increase security:

• Protect windows from the inside with burglar-proof glazing or metal bars attached to the frame.
• Add exterior lighting to eliminate dark areas.
• Remove plants, or other objects that can be used for hiding, from the areas around windows and doors.

Burglar alarm systems will detect a break-in and send an alert – either to a third party in the case of monitored systems, or by sounding an alarm on the premises. Alarm systems alone will not always prevent a burglary, so it’s important to use them in tandem with the physical security reinforcements noted above. 

Monitored systems are more expensive but have the advantage of directly alerting a third-party when the alarm is tripped. This third party will then notify the authorities and the building owner. Unmonitored systems will only sound on the premises, relying on people nearby to call the authorities. They are cheaper but are also less reliable. 

Consider:

• How is the alarm tripped?
• Does the system require intensive electrical work?
• Will the alarm ensure a response?  Will the owner be notified in addition to the police?
• Is the system wired or wireless?
• Does it come with cameras?
• Can I add smoke/heat/fire detection? 

Every business and their building are unique, and so it’s important to review your options with a security company, and your insurance provider, to ensure you get the system that will best work for you. Having a security system can also help bring down the cost of your insurance premiums. 

If you rent your premises

As a renter you may not be responsible for fixtures and fittings such as doors and windows. It is important to review your lease before undertaking any work, to ensure that you are within your rights to do so. Some leases will leave all maintenance up to the renter, others will require that the landlord make any changes to the fabric of the building. 

When looking at new premises, it’s a good idea to consider the safety and security of the outside of the building as well as whether the space itself suits your needs. 

Closing time checklist

How your business looks when no one is there can have a huge impact on the likelihood of you falling prey to a burglar. Putting in checks at closing time can help protect your business from crime. You might want to consider creating a checklist, especially if you have different people with responsibility for closing. 

The following are suggestions of things to include on your checklist – not all will be applicable to your business, but they are a good springboard. 

• Ensure that all exterior doors and windows are locked.
• Turn on exterior lights.
• Leave some interior lights on.
• Activate security system.
• Secure valuables and cash. Empty cash drawer and leave it open so that it’s clear there is no money there.
• Secure stock and equipment
• Check to make sure no one is left on the premises.
  • Check washrooms, changing rooms, storage areas, etc.
• Keep premises well-maintained and tidy, with clear sightlines.
  • If you own the building, ensure that outside areas are kept maintained and clean. If a building looks rundown and neglected, it’s more likely to attract the criminal element.
  • If you rent the space and notice outside areas are overgrown or messy, check your lease to see who is responsible, and reach out to your landlord with any concerns.
• Ensure displays do not block the view from the street; including window displays and any posters/advertisements.

Ensure that all staff with responsibility for closing the business are aware of your checklist – and that they use it! Employees are key to ensuring loss prevention. 

CFIB members can access a template Opening and Closing Security Checklist in the Member Portal. 

Not a member? Join today to access this and other tools and resources.

Further resources and funding programs:

Funding:
British Columbia: Securing Small Business Rebate
Manitoba: Security Rebate Program - not currently accepting applications
Edmonton: Window and Storefront Repair Program
Saskatoon: Business Façade and Security Grant

Resources:
CFIB Report: Broken Windows and Broken Trust: The Impact of Rising Crime on Small Business
CFIB Report: Crime and Safety in Western Canada: The small business perspective 

From Northbridge:
Enhance your commercial property security with fences, doors, and locks
Preventing equipment and tool theft on job sites
Tips to improve your storage lot security

Retail Council of Canada and SafeWork Manitoba:
Retail safety and security guide 

This article was written in conjunction with our Savings Program Partner, Northbridge Insurance.