ByIf you’re like many Los Angeles business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day aspects of running your establishment. This can result in you forgetting to address something critically important: Safety.
If an earthquake struck, or a fire ravaged the building, would your employees know what to do? What if a deranged gunman ambled in, terrorizing employees and customers alike?
The LA metropolis is an excellent place to own a business, there’s no doubt about that. But—as is the case in every large high-energy city—it’s a good idea to have well thought out safety and security protocols in place, just in case.
Here are 9 major safety tips that every Los Angeles business needs to implement.
1. Emergency Preparedness
It’s just another Tuesday morning. All of a sudden, a customer drops to their knees, then begins convulsing. After calling 911, what do you do?
Emergency preparedness involves ensuring you and your employees have basic First Aid training. You know to loosen any tight clothing and try to protect the person’s head while you wait for medics to arrive. You have a first aid kit on hand, and depending on the nature of your business, an AED clearly labeled on premises that all staff are trained how to use.
Emergency preparedness also includes having clearly labeled exits and fire extinguishers. An evacuation protocol should there be a fire, and mapped out “safe zones” in case of an earthquake.
2. Customer Safety
It is imperative that your establishment is kept clear of any hazards. All steps or low hanging beams must be clearly marked to protect against trips and bumped heads. Any time the floor is mopped there needs to be a sign in place, alerting customers so they don’t slip.
Safety includes providing ample light and a well-lit parking lot to deter any nefarious behavior.
It is your duty to go above and beyond to keep customers safe—and yourself free from any lawsuits.
3. Building Security
According to statistics provided by the LAPD, property crimes increased by 3.5% in 2023,
Securing your business includes installing things like roll-down metal doors to keep everything extra secure after hours. Security cameras and other anti-theft devices are all helpful as well, to a degree.
Yet as criminals become more and more brazen, and flash robberies—sometimes violent in nature—remain very real threats, hiring private security from a company like Security Explorer is the best deterrent.
On-site security makes someone think twice about making your business a target. And if criminals decide to rob or terrorize you, you’ve got a trained professional on hand, someone ready to act. This alleviates any responsibility employees may feel towards protecting your property—and saves them from getting seriously injured as a result.
Private security can also help with other emergency situations such as, rendering aid, controlling the scene, and helping people evacuate if need be.
They are also an excellent resource to use to establish the overall security of your business, examining and remedying possible vulnerabilities which may be enticing to criminals.
4. Robbery or Active Shooter Response
It’s a good idea to coordinate with a security team or your local law enforcement to prepare a protocol in case of a smash and grab robbery, or active shooter scenario.
Make sure your employees know what to do and remind them it’s not their job to be a hero. Consider installing panic buttons or other alert systems that notify the authorities in a clandestine manner, should one of these situations come to pass.
5. Cash Handling
Limit the amount of cash on the premises, and consider hiring cash transport specialists when transferring large sums of money to the bank.
6. Inventory Monitoring
Be diligent and maintain inventory logs to prevent (or at least discourage) employee theft.
7. Cyber Security
No matter what type of business you have, it’s critical you uphold and maintain cyber security best practices.
If you have a site or database that requires people to furnish their personal information—their home address, date of birth, and credit card details—it’s your duty and responsibility to keep that information secure.
8. Insurance
Make sure your business insurance policy is fully comprehensive, and covers a multitude of risks and worst-case scenarios.
9. Create a Safety Manual and Train Regularly
The final tip here is to put it all together: Create a manual that highlights all the specific safety-related scenarios and their respective procedures. Then schedule and hold regular employee training.
By doing this you’re protecting your business, your employees, and your customers. You’re also doing your part in helping the community by taking a stance against crime.
With a private security presence on premises and other protocols geared towards keeping everyone safe, your employees are able to freely carry out their duties and assist customers.
Conclusion:
With property crimes in Los Angeles on the rise, it’s more important than ever to do what you can to not become a victim.
Be part of the solution by setting a new precedent—one that doesn’t tolerate stealing or violence.
If you make employee and customer safety a top priority everyone benefits. Your employees will feel safe and at ease and can focus their energy and attention towards providing customers with a top-notch experience, every time they walk through your doors.
