As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. You’re responsible for the building that you rent or own, the equipment or merchandise inside the building, the safety of your employees, and the safety of your customers or clients. Protecting your business is vitally important. Take a look at some of the most important safety solutions that can help you protect your business and the people in it.
Alarms
An alarm system is an important factor in protecting your business. You at least need a fire alarm and burglar alarm, and you may also want a panic button system that you or your employees can use to summon police or first responders in the event of an emergency. Look for alarm systems that incorporate all three of these elements into one system – that way, you can save space and streamline things for your employees.
Smoke Detectors
You will also need smoke detectors positioned in strategic places around your building. Make sure that you test them at least once a year by a licensed inspector. You should also visually inspect the smoke detectors weekly, and test the batteries quarterly.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your business may need carbon monoxide detectors if any of the equipment in your building is fuel or propane powered, if you own an industrial warehouse, if you have an enclosed parking garage, or if you operate a hotel or bed and breakfast. In some cases, your local laws may require carbon monoxide detectors for other reasons. Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors need to be inspected and tested regularly.
Fire Extinguishers
If a fire does break out, you want more than a warning. Fire extinguishers can help put out a small fire before it becomes something much more detrimental. Make sure that you schedule fire extinguisher servicing and sprinkler system inspection at least once a year. In the event of a fire, you want to be certain that these devices work as expected. Failing to have them serviced can put lives in danger.
Video Monitoring
Video monitoring can help prevent shoplifting by allowing you and your employees to monitor different parts of the store. It may also help deter robbers. In the event that a break-in or robbery does occur, video monitoring can help the authorities track down the perpetrator and recover any stolen property. Wireless, IP-networked video monitors are affordable and flexible, and the surveillance can be stored digitally for later review.
Personal Protective Equipment
Depending on what type of business you’re in, you may be required to provide personal protective equipment for your employees. Generally speaking, you can’t require employees to purchase safety equipment that they need to perform their jobs without injury – you have to make it available for no charge. For example, if your employees will be working around loud sounds, you would need to provide noise-muffling ear protection. It’s important to do a risk assessment to determine what kind of protective equipment is needed.
Make sure that you inspect your personal protective equipment frequently, and replace anything that is broken or worn out. This will not only keep your employees safer, but it will help prevent worker’s compensation claims.
Training
No matter how much safety equipment you provide, it’s useless if your employees don’t know how to use it. It’s crucial to provide training to all new employees, as well as periodic refreshers for established employees. Your employees should know how to activate the alarms, review the video feeds, operate the fire extinguishers, and use or wear their protective equipment. They should also know where the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located and when and how to evacuate the building.
Staying safe helps your business stay in business. It’s important to assess risk levels and be sure that you put in place any safety measures that will protect your property, employees, and customers.
