Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has announced the enactment of a new regulatory amendment aimed at enhancing the protection of late night retail workers in Saskatchewan. The new law comes into force on January 1st, 2013, and compels those operating late night retail establishments to conduct a hazard assessment and implement a range of specific crime prevention measures to protect late night retail workers.
The primary safety and security measures contained within the new law are reproduced below with some practical considerations for employers wishing to synthesize regulatory compliance and crime prevention best practice:
1. Safe Cash Handling Procedures
a. Employers are required to develop written cash handling procedures with a primary objective of limiting the amount of money accessible to workers. Safe cash handling procedures are a key component in reducing the reward for potential criminals. Such procedures typically include, in part:
- limiting the amount of money held in the cash register;
- counting cash and preparing deposits out of public view;
- restrictions on non-employees entering cash counting areas;
- ensuring deposits are transported by security personnel or at a minimum, are transported by two employees at different times taking different routes; and
- limiting acceptance of bills greater than $20.
2. Video Surveillance Cameras - Reed Security can help you with this by installing ReedHD hi-def video cameras that can clearly capture Faces & License Plates.
a. All late night retail establishments in Saskatchewan will be required to install video cameras which must, at a minimum, capture the cash desk and any outdoor gas pumps. If prominently installed and amplified by signage, video surveillance systems can increase the risks to potential offenders. Key steps to optimize video surveillance efficacy include:
- assess the business premises as a whole before identifying camera locations;
- place cameras in locations where they are most visible to customers and in areas that ensure potential offenders will be captured on video (e.g., outside of all entrances, immediately inside of all entrances, near cash machines and behind the cash desk, near garbage disposal areas); and
- consider installing a visible video monitor above and behind the cash desk showing the camera view of the customer at the cash desk (but do not consider taking this step unless the quality of displayed video is high).
3. Maintaining Clear Lines of Visibility
a. Employers are required to take steps to ensure good visibility into and out of the premises. Clear sightlines to and from the premises is another way to increase the risk perceived by offenders who fear they will be visible to passers-by during a crime. Priorities here include:
- removing all posters, advertising materials and other signs affixed to glass entrance doors and windows (but if advertising materials are required, at least ensuring they are positioned well below eye level to maintain clear sightlines);
- relocating or lowering any freestanding items (inside and outside of the premises) which block sightlines to/from the cash desk; and
- considering raising the cash desk area to elevate the worker, enhancing the overall visibility to and from the cash desk.
4. Installing Crime Prevention Signage. Reed Security can help you with this by installing "Protected by ReedHD Warning Signage".
a. Under the new law, employers are required to display signs indicating workers’ limited accessibility to cash and advising of the presence of video surveillance. Signage stating that video cameras are in use serves to increase the risk perceived by offenders. Posting signs stating that workers can only access small sums of cash is a way to reduce the reward available to potential offenders. Inherent in stating that workers have limited access to cash is the requirement for a drop safe or time-lock safe, which is a form of increasing the effort required by potential criminals. Signage priorities include:
- designing signage that synthesizes text, colour and graphics to draw attention to the signs and amplify the overall crime prevention message;
- ensuring that multiple signs are placed in appropriate places (i.e., in locations most likely to be noticed by potential offenders; and
Read more: http://blog.firstreference.com/2012/11/22/saskatchewan-poised-to-enact-the-most-far-reaching-regulation-to-protect-late-night-retail-workers-in-canada/#ixzz2HPM3b7je
5. Late Night (11:00pm to 6:00am) Lone Workers require an Emergency Panic Pendant connected to a 24/7 Central Monitoring Station that can dispatch the Police or RCMP. Reed Security can help you with this by installing a ULC approved alarm panel and training your staff how to summon for help when needed most.
Visit www.reedsecurity.com for more information or to schedule a Free Security Evaluation 306.653.3200.
This demo video was taken from a local Saskatoon retailer that was experiencing problems with Smash & Grab theft. Now that they have FlashFog by Reed Security - a burglar will be greeted with layers of ACTIVE SECURITY and backed up with Reed's 24/7 Rapid Response Monitoring.
http://youtu.be/EX35_2ASkas
When FlashFog by Reed Security jumps into action to protect your valuables the area is completely filled with a thick white fog, reducing visibility to inches. If this wasn't enough to deter the burglar, the system also includes an incredibly bright, flashing strobe light. The rapidly flashing light prevents any attempts to see through the fog, and draws attention to the scene. A loud 110db siren also ensures your unwanted visitor leaves.
The end result is always the same: a fleeing burglar, and your area protected until POLICE have time to arrive.
FlashFog is safe as the fog is made out of plant materials, has no odor, and does not leave a residue.
Contact Reed Security 306.653.3200 or visit www.reedsecurity.com for more details.
Local companies support local causes and when the opportunity came to support the Hospital Home Lottery Reed Security stepped up to the plate. This years $1.4 Million dollar grand prize showhome is Protected by Reed Security and features a Simon XTi interactive security system.
Door sensors provide primary protection and motion sensors provide secondary protection with our layered security design. A loud 85 decibel siren lets unwanted visitors know it's time to leave an limits losses. Reed Security's 24/7 Rapid Response Monitoring Operators watch over the property and notify the proper authorities in the event of an alarm. The touch screen keypad is easy-to-use and has emergency buttons that can alert the Police and Fire Department immediately during an emergency. The touchscreen displays weather forecasts and can provide severe weather alerts.
Please buy your ticket today and support a great cause. The lottery showhome is located at 9-602 Cartwright Street, The Willows.
Elim Church recently opened their multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility at 419 Slimmon Road. We consulted with Administration Pastor Kevin Abrey and designed a custom security solution to protect the staff, visitors, and the building. We installed layered security consisting of an Alarm System with Burglar and Fire protection. Elim Church staff are notified of any events by Reed's 24/7 Rapid Response Monitoring Stations. An Access Control Swipe Card system restricts access to perimeter and interior doors and a ReedHD Hi-Def Video Surveillance system captures activities at entrance ways and parking lots. We worked with the contractor (Quorex Construction) and the electricians (Aim Electric) to ensure the security project was successful and completed on time.
To see photos follow the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.345192428894643.80639.126019737478581&type=1&l=b007dd71ee
In addition to Arming/DisArming your Home with your IPhone/Ipad/PC you can now control your entire home with Reed Alarm.com.
NOW AVAILABLE:
emPower Lights - Turn lights on/off via web or mobile apps. Create schedules to have specific lights turn on/off at specific times.
emPower Thermostats - Remotely control thermostat(s) via web or mobile apps and easily create customizable schedules to set temperatures based on the time of day. Run your home more efficiently.
emPower Locks - Remotely control door locks via the web or mobile apps, see lock status (locked/unlocked) and receive email messages when a lock is accessed by a specific user.
Live Video Monitoring - View live video on upto 8 cameras via Reed Alarm.com and mobile apps.
Image Sensor - Capture motion activated images during system alarm events. Up to 5 sets of images are uploaded per alarm.
Additional charges apply for equipment and service plans. Contact our office for more details.