A helping hand for
sleepless nights...?
Facilities managers across the country have no doubt spent at least
one sleepless night worrying about the security of the workplace after
the tragic events of September 11.
Facilities managers responsible for security at one of Britain's
growing number of airports probably don't get any sleep at all.
However, help is at hand. On 12 - 13 December the British Security
Industry Association (BSIA), in partnership with Trade Partners UK, is
hosting the Airport Security Conference at the Hilton Hotel, Heathrow.
(Tickets are £300. Call Tracy Johnson at the BSIA on 01905 727711.)
Security in the workplace is often swept under the carpet. Board
members sometimes view it as an unnecessary expense. The tragic events
of September 11 are just one example of what can happen and the
quicker board members, facilities managers, or those with
responsibility for security in the workplace face up to this, the
better for all concerned.
The European Council has just ratified plans to step up aviation
security in the EU, with proposed tightening of regulations for the
control of access to sensitive areas, stricter monitoring of
passengers, luggage, cargo and airmail. Training of security staff in
airports has also been targeted.
Don't leave that all important security review until it is too late.
Okay, so you might not be managing a building the size of an airport,
but that is no excuse for lax standards.
Facilities managers who do want to learn more about how to combat the
threat of terrorism in the workplace can phone for a free booklet
produced by the Home Office. (Call the Business Crime Centre on 01635
295163).
A recent study shows that not all attacks are, 'physical.' Enquiries
from businesses that fear the possibility of a cyber attack on their
computer network after September 11 are rising. Is the £25 million of
investment the government has given the national police computer
forensic team really enough to make a difference? Experts say this is
only enough to cope with one or two major cyber attacks a year.
I'm sure every facilities manager would love to spruce up security at
the workplace, but most are finding that it is not that easy. The key
word here is 'budgets.' Unless the board allocates more money for a
better service, facilities managers are just going to have to find
other ways of improving standards. Not an easy task.
However, facilities managers in the UK can at least take heart from
the fact that standards of security in the UK are amongst the highest
in the world, so much so that around £500 million worth of UK security
services and products find their way overseas each year.
On a lighter note, readers may be interested to know that we had an
excellent time at FM Expo 2001, held at the ExCel in London's
Docklands, during October. Judging by the amount of magazines that
were flying off our stand (a whopping 1800 copies) you like what you
are reading.
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