The use of guard shacks is a common practice in many large facilities. These small structures may not look all that important to daily operations, but their presence provides a number of important benefits that can really boost the safety of everyone working or visiting a busy facility. Here are six reasons why the use of a guard shack improves safety.
1- Standard Security
The most obvious safety benefit of a guard shack is the direct security it provides. Having a qualified set of eyes and ears equipped with communications links and gates can make it easier to keep vehicles and people off the grounds when they present a security concern. Having a shack makes it easy for the staff to keep radios, cell phones, lists of authorized visitors, and other important tools in a dry, warm, well-lit area.
2- Deterring Problematic Traffic
Of course, many problematic visitors never go as far as the guard shack for the simple reason that it is there. Deterring unwanted visitors and trespassers provides a big benefit to safety by not just preventing them from interfering with normal operations but also by thinning out the foot traffic and vehicle traffic that complicates routine monitoring by security personnel.
3- Traffic Flow Management
One common cause of mishaps in parking lots is the presence of vehicles that have gone to the wrong place and are trying to turn around or exit from the area to get to the right location. Some drivers may go to several different incorrect destinations before finding their way to the right lot. All this unneeded driving is a danger to pedestrians and other motorists. A guard shack housing a knowledgeable staff member will get those drivers to the right place the first time.
4- Fleet and Load Safety
The worker in a guard shack is usually the last person to see outbound shipments and the first to see inbound loads. An attentive worker observing vehicles from the guard shack may notice unsecured contents, mechanical issues, or even impaired drivers before they become a hazard on the premises or out on the public road.
5- Employee Safety
It’s important not to overlook the safety of the person who works in that guard shack to improve the safety of everyone else. Providing a well-lit place with protection from the elements and a comfortable seat for your guard is a critical investment not just to keep him or her safe from traffic but also to ensure that your guard is comfortable and alert to what is going on in the area.
6- Staff Mindset
The final safety benefit of a guard shack is the mindset that it creates among all employees. When you pass a guard shack on your way into the workplace, you are reminded of the emphasis that your employer places on safety. You’ll be more likely to do your own part toward promoting safety throughout the workplace, and you’ll be more attentive to the efforts of others to do likewise.
No matter what type of area it is, any busy area will be improved by adding a guard shack to the area.