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Why social distancing is particularly important in the security industry

The security Industry has become even more important and relied on since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trained security professionals are often relied on to offer crucial additional support to various industries ranging from emergency services to retail outlets.

With the UK going into lockdown, the pressure mounts for supermarkets and hospitals – thus they instruct professional security firms to provide additional security and support.

Why is security important?

Having adequate security measure in place is more important now than ever before. This is a time of heightened anxiety and often in times such as these, people panic. Security are instructed to help keep things in order and protect people who are on the front line and the vulnerable.

Security guards are not immune to COVID-19

Often people rely on security to help offer support and protect them but forget that they are not impervious to viruses, be it COVID or any other. This is why social distancing is crucial to prevent the virus from spreading. Security is a difficult industry and security professionals often have their work well and truly cut out for them but the epidemic has made things far more complicated.   

Security professionals are trained in dealing with people and difficult situations but in trying to uphold the social distancing requirements, are putting themselves at risk. They are often faced with people who do not want to comply to the law and thus are in a vulnerable position, especially as the people who they may have to deal with could be carrying the virus.

How can security guards and other security professionals keep themselves safe?

The truth of the matter is that if you are on the frontline, you are more at risk of contrating the virus – that’s just a fact. But there are some precautionary steps that can be taken to help reduce or even prevent the risk of catching the virus entirely.

1. Make sure your hands are clean and try to wear gloves
2. Keep a safe distance from other people
3. Do not shake hands or make any other physical contact with people even if you know them
4. Do not touch items unnecessarily, including door handles

By adhering to these simple steps you are already reducing the risk of catching and spreading the virus.

Importance of Security in times of heightened anxiety

When people think of law and order, they usually assume this is all related to emergency services such as the Police. But there are, especially in times of heightened anxiety, when additional security is required.

What do we mean by additional security?

In unprecedented times such as times that the entire world is currently experiencing through with the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency services are stretched and under extreme pressure. It is at points like this where professional security providers who are trained and approved SIA contractors step in and support the emergency services.

What does ‘approved SIA contractor’ mean?

The SIA leads the security industry standard and awards certain security providers who qualify to join their scheme and meet the highest industry standards in security.

Why is this important?

This is crucial as security is at the frontline of protecting people and assets. If the security provider does not meet the correct standards, they might be incapable of providing adequate levels of protection. This can have a disastrous effect and lead to injury and monetary losses.

Being an approved contractor means the SIA have conducted vigorous checks and audits on the security provider’s processes, finance, insurance, staff, training and more. This gives clients the reassurance and confidence that they are in competent hands. They will know that they are being protected by a team of highly trained and qualified professionals.

More personalised security

Security services are not just crucial on a large scale; they are also vital on a smaller scale, like protecting and securing small businesses and even homes.

In a time where people are being forced to self-isolate, businesses are left unattended, leaving them open to both professional and opportunities thieves and burglars, vandals, arsonists – along with them being vulnerable to leaks, fires and industrial espionage.  

What professional security providers do

Professional security providers are great at carrying out risk assessments and then creating a precise and bespoke security plan. After a thorough needs assessment is carried out, they will formulate a bespoke security plan which may include a specific type of security service such as guarding, patrolling, CCTV or a combination of services to ensure your business or home is kept safe.