Just how safe are you in your workplace? That was the question asked by Steve Wilder of Sorensen Wilder & Associates, Bradley, at the April Lunch & Learn.  He went on to ask, "Do you know who is walking into your workplace or anything about them and can they get from the front door into places where they shouldn't be?"  These are intriguing questions to everyone whether they work outside the home or have an at-home business.

According to Wilder, there are four elements to creating a secure work environment - people, programs, training and technology.  When any one of these elements is incomplete, the workplace and its inhabitants are vulnerable to incidents at the hands of adversaries, internal or external.

The people are the employees, customers, clients and visitors.  How are employees screened?  Are drug tests and background checks performed and is performance monitored?  When an employee leaves, regardless of the reason, are exit interviews performed?  And how about the people who walk into our workplaces, what do we know about them and their backgrounds?

The programs element focuses on developing and implementing the right security programs.  Is there a written security management program, is it current, who implements it, does is include all-peril crisis management and can you find in when you need it?  When an incident occurs, is there an incident response procedure and a post-incident evaluation to determine how effective the security program is?

As for training, are all staff informed of and trained in proper security procedures?  Does your workplace have security staff and how quickly can they get to a situation?  Does the security program include provisions for both personal and property protection?  Is everyone on staff trained in the sue of emergency equipment and procedures?  In the event of a fire for instance, does everyone know the proper procedures - where is the fire alarm box, what is the escape route, where is the nearest fire extinguisher and how is it used properly?

When it comes to technology, is the right equipment available?  Security technology includes items like Access Control Systems, Closed Circuit TV, Alarms, lobby and visitor control systems and ID systems.

Other items to consider are the parking lots, exterior and interior lighting, outside contractors, after hours events and security versus convenience.  Preparedness and the ability ti identify hazards are vital to workplace security.  Does the security plan include natural hazards like severe weather?  What preparations are in place for technological and man-made hazards?

Being prepared for possible perils is the best plan.  A written emergency plan with a command structure, assessed security risks and recovery and continuity plans is a must.  Once this emergency plan is developed, workplace drills on a variety of risks with full scale exercises and post-drill reviews must take place regularly in order to be prepared.

The County and local hospitals participate in county-wide emergency drills yearly in order to be prepared for any eventuality.  Workplaces should have similar plans and drills in place for the safety and protection of all.

MEMBERSHIP IN WIB is open to anyone interested in personal/business growth.  Membership dues include the monthly luncheon fee while continuing to support the KRCC.  The opportunities to make contacts, hear wonderful presentations, and promote your business are truly only limited by you.  Please contact the Chamber office at 815/933-7721 for more information.  The goal of WIB is to provide a healthy atmosphere for area women to network and grow both personally and professionally.  New members help all of us achieve our goal by helping to expand the networking opportunities at each event.  Bring a friend and introduce them to the amazing opportunities provided by Women in Business.