The BSIA’S role as the leading trade Association for the security industry often involves advising many and varied end users on security issues of topical importance.

During the past few months, the Association has provided advice concerning several key areas: Identity theft and fraud

In October, the BSIA warned businesses to act on protecting themselves from identity fraud during National Identity Fraud Prevention Week. “Too many businesses are falling victim to identity fraud,” suggests Simon Pearce, chairman of the BSIA’s Information Destruction Section. “This type of fraud is costing the UK £1.3 billion every year. Taking preventative measures to protect your business is the key to minimising what could be significant losses.”

Pearce continues: “Confidential data in the form of directors’ signatures, financial information and even company uniforms might provide criminals with the means to defraud your business. By disposing of such information using a professional information destruction company, businesses can rest assured that their confidential material will not fall into the wrong hands and be misused.”

DDA non-compliance

One year on from the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act, some businesses are still failing to provide adequate access for the disabled. Thankfully, a guide produced by the BSIA can assist managers with compliance.

The guide outlines the implications of the Act for access control systems, including common entry methods such as swipe cards and turnstiles. It provides a useful breakdown of the various types of access control system currently available, and the degree to which they are likely to be compliant. Advice is given on how current systems might be adapted in order to meet compliance standards.

“The Disability Rights Commission has revealed that many businesses are still failing to comply with the legislation,” states BSIA chief executive David Dickinson. “Businesses cannot afford to do so. They risk prosecution for any detected non-compliance.”

There is some confusion about which access control systems are compliant and which are not. The BSIA guidance has been designed for use alongside the Act itself as a means of clarifying the situation for end users.

The Road Transport Directive

The BSIA has also advised road transport companies to take advantage of the latest security technology when attempting to work with the recently-implemented Road Transport Directive issued by the Government.

The new regulations restrict employees working in the road transport sector to a 48-hour week. Companies need to make sure they are operating in compliance with this mandate.

By using time and attendance systems, managers may take a positive approach to monitoring working hours as well as their company’s overall security regime.

Source

SMT