The Role of Physical Security Audits to Identify and Address Safety and Security Risks

Every Canadian company knows the importance of protecting personnel and property. It only makes sense to provide for the safety and security of your most valuable assets.

But how can you help ensure that each one of your worksites is safe and secure?

The answer is regular physical security audits. These audits can provide you with up-to-date information about all potential threats or security risks for every one of your worksites.

For a deeper understanding of the importance of security audits, we spoke with Daniel Vigeant, Senior Security Advisor and National Manager of Consulting Services at GardaWorld Security.

What is included in a physical security audit and should companies establish regular audits for all their locations?

The physical security audits, conducted by our Consulting Services, aim to identify, prevent, and mitigate these risks to protect the client's site installations and personnel.

Our experts start with a threat and risk assessment, then inspect the facilities and the robustness of the client’s deterrent, protection and response mechanisms. Perimeter security, assessing entry and exit points, access control, intrusion systems, electronic and human surveillance, and emergency procedures, to name but a few, are all part of the roadmap we follow when carrying out a physical security audit.

By identifying risks and threats, the audits allow for the implementation of preventive measures to strengthen the safety and security of the installations and help prevent intrusions and security risks.

Upon completion of the audit, our experts prepare a detailed comprehensive report where risks and threats are analyzed and identified. The section addressing the physical security audit highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the protection measures adopted by the company. Recommendations are made to the client for the implementation of risk mitigation measures, with an action plan that includes priority management. We can then assist the company in implementing the recommendations through continuous advisory services.

Prevention seems to be key to the audit. Does a physical security audit help companies prevent problems and emergencies from happening?

A first-class security audit is needed for any prevention plan to be effective. The audit helps identify the vulnerabilities of each site/installation and then proposes the implementation of preventive measures to limit these risks and threats. Our experts provide a detailed report including a solid, actionable plan. It includes strategies and deterrents, as well as a timetable for implementation with the priorities clearly identified. Once the report is submitted, the client has the discretion to decide whether to implement the expert's recommendations.

How does a company know when it’s time to get a physical security audit? Are audits repeated annually?

A regular physical security audit is essential because risks and threats are constantly evolving, and the security situation of a company must be frequently evaluated and analyzed. Dangers such as intrusions or theft, which were thought to be less prevalent not long ago, have increased. This reality highlights the importance of vigilance, as well as the obligations and responsibilities to take measures to prevent and mitigate risks and threats. This is desirable in the context of the secure continuation of a company’s operations, in compliance with their corporate security standards.

Ideally, a physical security audit should be conducted every 3 years to ensure that prevention, deterrence, protection, and intervention mechanisms remain well-suited to the surrounding risks and threats. Furthermore, these risks should also be reviewed annually, as the site's defense strategy must be adapted to the dangers arising from these risks.

A complete physical audit represents a company’s continuous commitment and dedication to safety and security.

With all of the recent advances – including AI, smart technology and more – does the audit frequently show clients new ways to improve on their safety and security systems?

The technological advancements in recent years, including AI, have introduced innovative opportunities for improving security practices on commercial and industrial sites. This is particularly true with the advent of integrated electronic security systems that can meet various objectives for comprehensive and modern security.

Industry 4.0 – also known as the industry of the future or the 4th industrial revolution – represents a new organization of industries based on new technologies that rely on the interconnectivity between humans, machines and resources.

GardaWorld Security assists its clients in transitioning to the era of Security 4.0, paving the way for the intelligent integration of systems through the use of technological security solutions.

This approach is based on detection, protection, and intervention models, particularly focused on advanced security systems and new intelligent technologies that can support security professionals and enhance security capabilities.

We recommend that all companies integrate the 4.0 approach into their physical security audit and future of their security programs.

Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your expertise about how physical security audits can help ensure worksite safety and security.  

Contact our consulting and investigation services to learn more about how a physical security audit can benefit your company.