A guarding firm MD feels strongly that managers and directors within the security sector have responsibility for the lives of guards.
The recent figures published by the ONS are extremely worrying for our industry but there is also so much more to them than meets the eye, writes Abbey Petkar, pictured, of Hounslow-based Magenta Security Services.
He says: “There is no denying the fact that the figures suggest security guards are at high risk – but let’s not forget that their dedication means they have continued to work throughout the crisis and the industry has a proportionally high level of BAME males. These two factors mean we have a statistically more at-risk workforce demographic putting themselves in higher risk situations. The ONS report also contains a number of caveats around the data that must also be considered, rather than just focusing on the headlines. The report for example does not take into consideration who else a guard might be living with and their occupations, residential status or a number of other factors that could increase risk. Security guards are ultimately part of a front line, people facing workforce. This means they are at more risk than those able to stay at home. Therefore, those of us managing them must do our utmost to protect them.
“However, ultimately there is no reason they should be higher risk than many others in similar occupations if the right measures are in place to support them. Yes, they are more likely to come into contact with other people, they are more likely to handle goods due to postal deliveries et cetera, they are more likely to be the first person someone speaks to when they walk onto commercial premises but we can protect them if we make it our priority. Professional security companies need to consider all of these factors when putting in place plans, policies and subsequent equipment to protect our workforce. PPE is of course high on the list but so are the many other measures that can and must be considered to ensure our industry is not used as a poster statistic – this is after all one competition no-one wants to win. Companies need to consider how we can use technology more effectively, limit physical contact and put significant barriers in place to eliminate the transfer of germs. Technology will be a part of so many solutions to this crisis and our industry is no different.
“How are we using it and how can we use it better? Also, we need to consider what ideas can we draw from other industries. Most importantly we need to teach our guards to protect themselves, we need to instil in them an understanding of the risks, an understanding of what can be done to mitigate them, and quite frankly an understanding of when they can put their own health first and when a request is unreasonable and should be referred to management. On the whole a security guard usually works alone and therefore social distancing measures should not be difficult to put in place. They should all be reminded of the need for face coverings when necessary (particularly on public transport), the relevant use of gloves and frequent hand washing. I really believe that it is this understanding and learning that will allow them to be safer, it is our responsibility as mangers to do this and I implore the whole industry to do everything they can to minimise risks for all.”
More at https://www.magentasecurity.co.uk/health-tips-life-work-covid-19-lockdown/.
