By Timothy M. Murray, GSP, Risk Control Consultant
All industries need security and farming is no exception. In addition to fire and safety, identifying vulnerable property and assets, and keeping online confidential information secure as outlined by Rural Security Planning (Purdue), make sure you have physical protection in place. Below are some suggested steps taken from the American Dairy Association North East for those in the agricultural industry to consider to make their property and operations more secure:
- Take basic steps to secure your farm and facility, making it more difficult to access by intruders. These include no trespassing signage, motion-sensor lighting, security cameras, gates, fencing, etc.
- Consider what is visible from the road. Consider the “curb appeal” of your operation and make any possible changes to prevent viewing from public land or roadways.
- Implement a policy for handling visitors as well as requests for information. Do not allow unauthorized visitors to come onto your property. Ask for credentials or identification and verify the information. For example, call the company they claim to represent. Make sure all family members and employees know what your visitor process is and follow it every time.
- Be cautious when hiring. Never cut corners in your hiring process regardless of how urgently you need workers. Have a formal process including a written application and carefully check references by calling a past employers’ main number (not the number listed on their application).
For more information, on keeping your farm and operations secure, contact Tim at 717.205.0265 or a member of the Murray Risk Control Team at 717.397.9600.
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