In the world of security,
Confusion runs rampant. Security Risk assessment, Risk management, and Health and safety. These terms are often used interchangeably, yet they represent vastly different processes. Understanding the distinction is more than just a matter of semantics; it’s about ensuring your security system doesn’t miss critical vulnerabilities that could lead to disaster.
# Security risk Assessment Andre Mundell
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a luxury estate in Knysna, revealing vulnerabilities often missed by standard assessments. Our independent approach allowed us to recommend practical measures to improve the safety of residents, staff, and the property.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
Let’s get one thing straight: a security risk assessment is not just a checkbox in a safety manual.
Security risk assessment and risk management are often mistakenly viewed as the same thing when, in reality, they are two immensely different processes. The key question for a security risk assessor is not whether you have security but whether you have a security risk assessment. While often confused, security and a security risk assessment are related yet fundamentally different. Health and safety is not security.
We believe that identifying the security risks should always come first before any management can take place.
Security risk assessments specialize in pinpointing security risks. The best way to describe a risk assessment is as a ‘crime-fighting tool,’ and it only works effectively when conducted independently. This process involves identifying the security risks that create opportunities for crime.
When conducting a security risk assessment, the assessor examines both external and internal crime.
Many people focus only on external crime, overlooking the potential threat of internal crime. In most cases, it’s the internal crime factor that can cause estates and companies to collapse. An independent security risk assessment is a thorough investigation into your current security measures to determine if there are any security risks present. Once these risks are identified, the assessor then finds suitable, risk-specific solutions to mitigate them. While some risks cannot be addressed through security hardware alone, the assessor offers detailed advice in the security plan. Using processes, protocols, and a deep understanding of security to eliminate these risks. Once all the security risks have been identified and the assessor has found suitable solutions to eliminate them, the information is compiled into a comprehensive report, which is then handed over to the client.
When the security risk assessment report is reviewed and understood,
The risk manager can take over, as they will now have a clear understanding of the risks. This allows them to manage these risks effectively, in alignment with the security risk assessment. Under the risk manager, you will typically find a security manager, health and safety manager, building manager, and occasionally an asset manager. In health and safety, the focus is on the ‘probability’ or ‘likelihood’ of an event occurring, such as an accident. A security risk assessment, however, focuses on identifying the opportunities for crime. Once specific risks are identified, measures are implemented to manage these risks effectively.
It’s important to remember that the Health and Safety Act mandates that businesses must ensure no harm comes to employees or visitors.
When interpreted correctly, this protection extends to security and crime prevention as well. In South Africa, health and safety is governed by law, meaning it takes priority and often occupies the majority of time and attention. As a result, physical security is frequently neglected and overlooked. Neither risk management, health and safety, nor physical security is more important than the other. While they are related, they are fundamentally different and should each be managed appropriately. Moreover, health and safety, risk management, and physical security should be overseen by separate individuals, not a single person.
Read more on the Risk Matrix.
If you fail to manage security properly and leave risks unidentified, you create an open door for crime.
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Written by Andre Mundell, independent security risk advisor. # Security risk Assessment Andre Mundell
Our risk assessment projects are focused on the Gauteng Region, which includes Annlin, Bryanston, Midrand, and Sandton. Additionally, we cover Bloemfontein, Pietersburg, and Cradock.