Preventative measures minimize workplace violence.

As the five-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center approaches, office building security is once again thrust to the forefront of conversation among owners and property managers.

And while risk assessments for high-profile office properties and tenants are still a high priority for companies like Harvard Protection Services that provide security for some of the nation's leading commercial properties, everyday issues such as workplace theft and violence are the most common issues faced by owners and managers on a daily basis.

Working with a qualified and experienced security firm such as Harvard Protection Services is the best way to establish preventive measures and procedures for minimizing workplace violence and theft. These include deciding what degree of access control is right for your building, establishing steps to be taken upon employee termination and enacting simple measures such as a property removal pass system to control what comes in and out of your building.

Tenants should notify both building management and security upon the termination or planned termination of an employee to insure swift restriction of building access for that individual. Simple steps such as terminating employees on a Friday rather than during the week can also help alleviate what can sometimes be an emotional situation.

This provides both time for building security to restrict access and a 'cooling off" period for the terminated employee.

Including your security company early on when a problem is suspected can also help defuse situations and provide opportunities for alternative measures such as counseling for those with anger management, substance abuse or other problems that may lead to workplace theft or violence.

By Dominick Ripillino

Vice President of Operations

Harvard Protection Services