Some business practices and events require security guards to operate safely. Unfortunately, some businesses don’t consider how important it is to make sure those security guards are also safe and comfortable while protecting people. If you’re hiring security guards for your business or event, read about these ways security guards can stay safe and comfortable so that you can provide them with everything they need to do their jobs right.
Protective Clothing and Defensive Gear
Depending on the crime rates in the area and what type of job you’ve hired the guards to do, they may need specific types of protective clothing. This often entails having supportive footwear, especially if they’re going on regular walking patrols. Make sure their clothes or uniforms also allow them to carry the proper defensive gear, such as a radio, flashlight, and a gun if it’s necessary.
A Comfortable Guard Shack
Your guards need someplace to stay in between patrols to keep watch, and a guard shack is often the most suitable answer since you can place it wherever you need it. But don’t just put a box on the ground and expect your guards to feel satisfied. They’re doing hard, dangerous work, so make sure the shack has amenities, such as electricity and an HVAC system. This is especially necessary if you need them to work during times of extreme weather. You want them to be able to look outside through the windows but stay comfortable in between patrols.
Varying Routines
Make sure your guards never follow a specific routine that a criminal could learn. Unpredictable routines keep your guards safe since a criminal won’t be able to learn how they act and ambush them. Changing routines will keep your business safe as well since potential criminals won’t know when a guard is going to show up, thus deterring potential criminal activity. If possible, allow your guards to clock in and out at varying times. This will increase the further the unpredictable nature of their schedules.
Knowing Their Limit
Security guards know that their job is to protect as many people and as much merchandise as possible and will try to do that even when under threat. However, some threats go beyond the typical job description of an average security guard. Remind your guards of these situations, such as bomb threats or suspicious packages, so that they know who to notify and which higher security authority to call if one of those situations happens.
Protective clothing and defensive gear, a comfortable guard shack, varying routines, and awareness of personal limitations are some of the ways security guards can stay safe and comfortable. Make sure your guards follow all these procedures so that they can do their jobs carefully and well.
