Workplaces thrive on trust, noted Mehernosh Pithawalla, vice president and global head of marketing, sales and innovation of Godrej Security Solutions (GSS) in a write-up sent to Parsiana on how a security and safety policy is a must for every organization. A transparent policy on security helps people to understand... the critical role each employee plays in its implementation, he noted. "To create an effective security system, an organization should outline all... security features and detail out the equipment that is needed,” he recommended.
According to Pithawalla, security solutions fall into two categories —Premises Security Solutions (PSS) and Physical Security Products (PSP). The first category involves a risk assessment, with recommended solutions that could include monitoring and surveillance systems like CCTVs (closed circuit televisions), perimeter intrusion detection systems, access controls to sensitive areas, baggage scanners and attendance systems. PSP refers to the range of safes manufactured by GSS. Pithawalla’s write-up mentions that "in the wake of recent fire tragedies, the importance of fire and document protection has gained a lot of traction.” A fire resistant record cabinet can be an effective document securing solution.
A new product, Neutronics (pictured), is "a safe with duress alarm (silent alarm) which can be triggered through a secret code” which can be entered in case of a holdup stage situation (when a cashier or custodian is under physical threat), instead of the actual code, notes an email from the GSS team in response to Parsiana’s questions. This ensures safety as it triggers an alarm for help without letting the attacker know that help has been called for.
Employees demand safety that is seamless and non-obtrusive, noted Pithawalla. It is legal to use camera surveillance in public areas, he noted, adding that if a company opts to deploy both video and audio surveillance, "in the interest of transparency, it is expected to also put up signs indicating where audio is being recorded and make a mention of these in the security policy of the company.
"Even though once thought to be ‘a dead investment,’ organizations have realized that it is imperative to build trust and reputation, which is impossible without providing a safe and secure working environment,” noted Pithawalla, adding that having a robust workplace security brings about a reduction in insurance costs.