Security guards around the nation patrol property, enforce regulations, serve as emergency responders and prevent crimes at their employers’ places of business. As part of their duties, guards must maintain a semblance of order, detain criminals and issue warnings to those who cannot abide by the rules.
Though a lot of security guard daily duties are routine, staying alert and ready to respond to an emergency must be the priority first and foremost.
In addition to proper training, here are some tips to share with security guards:
- Ensure that you have a complete understanding of your essential job functions, how to use force and how to use a firearm properly (if applicable).
- Seek out first aid and CPR training, and the proper ways to protect yourself against blood-borne pathogens (e.g., wearing a protective mask, gloves, etc.).
- To protect yourself against potentially deadly situations, you must use solid investigative and entry techniques, as you do not know what you may come in contact with. You must be able to respond to, defuse and remove disturbances from the workplace without causing unnecessary drama or turmoil.
- Understand the clientele that you will be servicing so that you can anticipate problems that may arise.
- Be apprised of how to properly respond to weather emergencies, such as earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires.
- Know how to navigate through your security area in both the daytime and the evening.
- Always wear protective, traction-controlled footwear on the job. Your shoes should have non-slip soles and solid heels.
- If you are involved in traffic and parking operations, always be aware of the traffic around you. Also consider the following to remain safe:
- Wear highly visible apparel and/or a reflective vest.
- Do not exit your own vehicle or approach another until the area is clear.
- Always remain on guard when making a traffic stop; you do not know how the patron will respond.
Before entering a potentially dangerous situation, instruct security guards to assess everything first. Even if the security guard will be the person responsible for defusing a dangerous ordeal, he or she should not respond if it is unsafe to do so and/or if not adequately prepared to handle the situation. Remind security guards that they are not able to protect others if you cannot protect themselves first.
Get your free copy of our Recreation & Entertainment Employee Safety Manual for safety policies and procedures to develop a safe work environment.
