Security is a topic that affects every one of us. Whether at home, at work, or out in public, our sense of safety and preparedness can make a real difference in our daily lives.
South Africa’s security industry is one of the largest in the world, with more than 2.7 million registered private security officers. In the past decade, the number of security businesses in South Africa has grown by 43%, and the number of registered security officers has increased by 44%. Yet, in a country with the fifth-highest crime rate in the world (World Population Review, 2024), even these numbers are not enough to guarantee safety.
This raises an important question: how can the average person be expected to keep themselves safe?
Individuals, and businesses, can be empowered to take charge of their own security through situational awareness and proactive planning. These principles don’t just apply to personal safety — they are essential for creating a secure and prepared workplace.
How Can We Keep Employees Safe?
Ensuring workplace security goes beyond physical barriers like access control and CCTV cameras. Employees need practical skills to recognise potential risks and respond effectively. Here’s how we can integrate security awareness into our corporate culture:
Cybersecurity: The Digital Dimension of Security
Security doesn’t stop at physical threats — cybercrime is an increasing concern for businesses worldwide. Cybercriminals exploit human error, making employees the first line of defense against attacks such as phishing, data breaches, and ransomware.
Train employees to recognise cyber threats
Just as situational awareness helps prevent physical crimes, it is equally essential in the digital space. Employees should be trained to:
Identify suspicious emails and phishing attempts.
Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from unverified sources.
Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Simulate cybersecurity threats
Run phishing simulation exercises to test employees’ ability to recognise and report threats, reinforcing a culture of cybervigilance.
Create clear cybersecurity protocols
Just like physical security rules, there should be guidelines for handling sensitive data, reporting security incidents, and responding to potential cyber breaches.
Embedding Situational Awareness into Corporate Training
Situational awareness isn’t just for security professionals — it’s a skill that enhances decision-making and responsiveness in any field.
Here’s how businesses can incorporate it into training:
Beyond Security: A Culture of Preparedness
Security is not just about preventing crime. It extends to fire safety, medical emergencies, and even psychological well-being. Employees should be encouraged to:
The safety mantra used in the UK’s underground and railway networks is "SEE IT. SAY IT. SORTED."
This phrase is part of a public awareness campaign by the British Transport Police and the rail industry to encourage passengers to report anything suspicious to help keep everyone safe. It is a great principle to embrace within the workplace as well!
In the same way that Google Earth can be used to assess vulnerabilities in a neighbourhood—such as isolated pathways or abandoned buildings — organisations should evaluate their own workplaces for potential risks or, hire a security expert like Jason to do it for them. Is there sufficient lighting in parking areas? Are security cameras monitored in real time? Does the team know what to do in case of a fire or workplace injury?
By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, companies can create an environment where employees feel confident, secure, and capable of handling unexpected challenges.
Security is not just a department’s responsibility — it’s a mindset that should be woven into everyday corporate life.