Business,Safety and Weather
Ways to Protect Your Business: Physically and Digitally
“Safety first.” Those two words come up in almost anything you do—and it’s no different when it’s your business. You should take every step possible to prevent safety issues on the job.
While you can’t avoid every disaster or loss, you can help reduce risks by planning ahead and finding ways to keep your business and the surrounding area safe. Start by following this checklist.
Now that you’ve addressed the safety inside your business, take inventory of the area outside your business. It’s a smart way to keep your workplace even safer and more secure.
Cyber safety is a major issue for businesses. Whether you’re a global corporation or a mom-and-pop shop, hackers want what you’ve got. Here are some tips to help keep your digital data from getting hijacked:
Since no business comes with a crystal ball (though that would be cool), it’s impossible to foresee each and every safety issue that could happen. But by following the above tips, you can take giant steps forward in helping to keep your business safe – inside and out.
To learn about the right amount of insurance coverage to protect your business in case of a loss, contact your local Alfa® agent today.
While you can’t avoid every disaster or loss, you can help reduce risks by planning ahead and finding ways to keep your business and the surrounding area safe. Start by following this checklist.
Keep Your Business Safe
Interior
Let’s begin your safety steps within the office space or workplace. Complete this list to jump-start the safety levels at your business.- Test your alarm system on a regular basis to make sure it’s working.
- Keep a current, accurate list of every person who has the keys to your business.
- Make sure all smoke detectors are properly installed and tested on a regular basis. Replace the batteries regularly as well.
- Place fire extinguishers throughout your business for easy access.
- Keep all valuable documents in a fire-resistant location.
- Make sure you have handrails in any area where they’re needed.
- Secure all exterior windows and keep them locked.
- Post warning signs and take other precautions to identify specific hazards or where someone can slip and fall.
Exterior
Now that you’ve addressed the safety inside your business, take inventory of the area outside your business. It’s a smart way to keep your workplace even safer and more secure.- Make sure all areas of the roof and the gutters are free of debris.
- Check the insulation to make sure it’s sufficient and in good condition.
- Make sure any pipes that are subject to extreme cold are well insulated.
- Inspect all ceilings, walls and floors for leaks.
- Get your heating and air conditioning system serviced regularly by a qualified technician.
- Check if the parking lot and sidewalks are free of potholes, cracks and any debris.
- Secure your windows and doors to prevent breaking and entering.
- Install an alarm system and outdoor lighting to further discourage break-ins.
- Have your office’s sprinkler system properly maintained.
Business Data
Cyber safety is a major issue for businesses. Whether you’re a global corporation or a mom-and-pop shop, hackers want what you’ve got. Here are some tips to help keep your digital data from getting hijacked:- Secure your server by setting up firewalls and making sure there are limited points of entry to your data.
- Back up your data regularly and keep the backups offsite or in the cloud in case you do get hacked.
- Install trusted email software that scans for dangerous links and viruses. Teach your employees to avoid clicking or downloading suspicious items.
- Make all company-related passwords strong and change them frequently.
- Install anti-virus software that not only detects potential threats but eliminates them as well.
- If you don’t have an IT person on staff, make sure you stay informed on the latest cyber safety technology, threats and topics.
- If you don’t need customer information such as driver’s license number, social security number, date of birth, financial information, medical information, etc. to provide a product or service, then don’t ask for it, and don’t store it.
Since no business comes with a crystal ball (though that would be cool), it’s impossible to foresee each and every safety issue that could happen. But by following the above tips, you can take giant steps forward in helping to keep your business safe – inside and out.
To learn about the right amount of insurance coverage to protect your business in case of a loss, contact your local Alfa® agent today.