August 13, 2020 How Security Will Have to Adapt Going Forward

A look into how security in and out of retail will have to adapt and evolve going forward.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in ways nobody could have expected at the start of the year, and any business sectors will have to take additional precautions to ensure that they are kept safe upon returning to work.

With UK lockdown and rules around social distancing easing, the public and businesses are far more conscious about security and health and safety measures. Now is the best time to consider how different business sectors will have to adapt to ensure the safety of customers and employees and avoid a second “spike” in COVID-19 cases.

How will security and people management change in retail?

This sector has seen the most drastic change over a short period of time due to their essential nature in society.

We have already seen the implementation of queuing, one way systems, two metre markers and customer limitations throughout the retail industry. However these changes have mainly been focused on supermarkets and other food retailers.

Other “non essential” retail businesses will have to adapt to using similar systems and some larger businesses may install temporary turnstiles or hire security guards in order to effectively control customers wanting to enter and exit the establishment.

How will security and people management change in construction?

The very nature of the construction industry makes it difficult for government rules and advice around social distancing and human contact to be followed and many construction sites may choose to stay closed for the safety of their workers.

In this instance, it is essential to ensure that a security site is sufficiently protected through use of security systems such as CCTV, access control measures such as security gates and barriers as well as traditional alarms.

If a construction site did choose to reopen and begin working again, it is likely that they will have to implement systems regarding the types of tasks that can be completed. If this is the case, following the government guidelines set out specifically for sectors like construction is the recommended advice.

How will security and people management change in theme parks and other attractions?

Theme parks and other tourist attractions, such as museums and art galleries, receive hundreds of visitors on a daily basis and controlling these visitors in a post COVID-19 world will be essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.

Most themes parks across the world have started to release their re-opening dates, with parks such as Disney Springs already open and did so on May 20.

To ensure the safety of guests, sufficient security and health and safety systems need to be in place. This may include such things as sanitising rides and seating areas, implementing social distancing markers where applicable and even the increased use of access control equipment such as pedestrian gates and turnstiles.

These elements will allow these attraction based businesses to ensure that crowds and groups are controlled and all measures are being taken to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and employees alike.

How will security and people management change in airports and on public transport?

Public transport and airports have some of the largest risk of spreading COVID-19 due to the variety of people that use them each day.

Already sufficient systems are in place to ensure the health and safety of those travelling on public transport. Recent government advice and guidelines specify that if travelling by bus, train or any other form of public transport, face masks must be worn and there are penalties that will be given out if the rules are not adhered to.

In airports these guidelines are likely to be in place along with the airlines own health and safety systems which may include the need for addition turnstiles and security gates to monitor crowds and queues effectively.

Newgate are specialists in providing businesses through the UK and around the world with secured access solutions such as security barriers and gates, bollards and road blockers.

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