You make your worksite as safe as possible for your coworkers and employees, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned safety plans fail to prevent outside threats. The parking lot, particularly at night, has the potential to play host to a great variety of crimes and incidents – break-in’s, thefts, assaults and more. Make sure that at all times, all members of your facility management team and worksite know and understand the proper safety protocol for leaving the site:
- Park near your building in a highly visible and well-lit area.
- Park near the parking attendant, if there is one, or near the stairs or a well-lit exit.
- Use the main building entrance – avoid rear or secluded exits.
- Keep your valuables, including purses and recent purchases, out of sight.
- Lock the doors and roll up windows once you are in the vehicle. Have a plan ahead of time. Know where you can go for safety and how to call for help if necessary.
- Have your car keys or building keys ready in your hand.
- Carry a whistle or other personal alarm.
- Have the keys ready to unlock the door as you get near the vehicle or door. As you approach your car, look around, inside and even glance underneath for people who may be present. If you are suspicious, walk away. Go to a safe place and call for help.
- If you have to walk alone, have a co-worker watch you from a window. Wave to them on the way to your vehicle, even if no one is watching to create the illusion that someone has your back.
- Stay on well-lit streets, and in the center of the sidewalk. Stay away from hiding spots such as bushes, doorways, alleys and parked cars. Cross the road if necessary.
- Always be alert to your surroundings. Walk with confidence. Keep your head up and look around. Look directly at people but do not stare at them. Trust your instincts when you feel something is not right.
In addition to knowing the do’s of parking lot safety, it’s important to know the do not’s:
- Do not dig in your purse or bag.
- Do not wear headphones or engage in distracting cell phone conversations.
- Do not carry heavy briefcases or bags that might get in the way.
- Do not carry any type of weapon, as it could be used against you and may even be illegal.
For more information or to receive a customized, full site safety plan, contact the building safety experts of Vanguard Resources.
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