Facilities managers in New Zealand are responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of a building or facility. Physical security risk management is a critical aspect of their role, and it should be a top priority. In this blog, we will briefly discuss why facilities managers in New Zealand should be concerned with the organisation's physical security risk management.

• Protection of Assets

Facilities managers are responsible for the physical assets of a building or facility, including property, equipment, and information. Without proper security measures, these assets are vulnerable to theft, damage, and unauthorised access. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to protect these assets and ensure their safe and secure operation.

• Mitigation of Risks

Physical security risks can range from natural disasters to cyber-attacks, workplace violence, and terrorist threats. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to mitigate these risks by developing plans for emergencies, implementing disaster recovery procedures, and creating evacuation plans. For example, facilities managers should ensure that the building's fire alarm system is tested regularly and that all fire exits are clearly marked and accessible.

• Employee and Customer Safety

Facilities managers are responsible for the safety of the building's occupants, including employees, customers, and visitors. A safe and secure environment can improve employee morale and increase customer confidence in the organisation. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to ensure that the building's occupants are safe and secure. For example, they should ensure that access control systems are in place to prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas.

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Organisations in New Zealand are subject to legal and regulatory requirements regarding security measures. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to ensure compliance with these requirements, minimising the risk of fines, legal action, and reputational damage. For example, facilities managers should ensure that the building's security measures comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

• Business Continuity

Security incidents can disrupt business operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to ensure business continuity by minimising the impact of security incidents on the organisation. For example, implementing redundant systems and backups can help organisations quickly recover from cyber-attacks and natural disasters.

• Reputational Damage

In today's world, organisations' reputations are vital, and a security incident can have a significant impact on the organisation's brand. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to prevent security incidents, such as data breaches or workplace violence, that can damage an organisation's reputation.

In conclusion, physical security risk management is a crucial aspect of a facilities manager's role in New Zealand. Facilities managers should be concerned with physical security risk management to protect assets, mitigate risks, ensure employee and customer safety, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, ensure business continuity, and prevent reputational damage. Facilities managers should work with experienced security professionals to develop and implement tailored physical security risk management plans that address the unique challenges of their building or facility. By prioritising physical security risk management, facilities managers can help ensure the long-term success of their organisation.

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