Terrorism is an increasing concern for both national and international businesses
and individuals. Whilst the likelihood of a terrorist attack affecting any one
business or individual is relatively small, the effects can be enormous. Whilst
a head in the sand approach to terrorism is ill-advised, panic is equally unnecessary.
One key step to mitigating the risk of terrorism simply involves spending a little
time assessing your business and planning your security measures, little or no
extra expenditure may be required.
Terrorist crime, a major global issue, is practised by individuals or groups
seeking to promote their political, religious or ideological aims. Some terrorists
seek to target particular individuals or organisations whilst others are more
indiscriminate and show no regard for human life.
The threat in perspective
Despite increased concerns about terrorism since 11 September 2001, it is important
to keep the threat in perspective. Violent terrorist incidents are, fortunately,
rare. For most of the population, terrorism will remain something seen or heard
about in the news.
A small number, however, may find themselves caught up in some way in a terrorist
crime. You might, for instance, have to deal with a bomb threat or with suspect
items sent through the mail or left on your premises (the vast majority of which
are likely to be hoaxes or false alarms); in the very worst case, you could be
in the vicinity when a terrorist attack, such as a bombing, takes place.
Terrorism might also manifest itself in more subtle forms than violent physical
attack. These include threats, hoaxes and propaganda designed to generate fear
and intimidate. Terrorists could in addition launch electronic - or "e"
- attacks on vital information or communication systems to cause disruption, economic
damage or possibly even loss of life. Such attacks are far easier to carry out
if the terrorist is assisted by an insider, or by someone with specialist knowledge.
Why plan against terrorism?
There are obvious reasons why your business or organisation should plan to
avoid terrorist acts, or at least to minimise their consequences. These include:
Business continuity: ensuring that your business is able to
cope with an incident or attack and return to normality as soon as possible;
Insurance: if you do not plan adequately, you may have to pay
high premiums, or, in the worst case, you may not be able to get cover at all;
Legal obligations: the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the
onus on the owner or occupier of the premises to safeguard the safety of staff
and visitors. Whilst the police and other agencies may offer advice, the responsibility
to seek that advice and act upon it lies with the owner or occupier. Remember
that in the event of an incident, your plans are likely to come under scrutiny
in any subsequent inquiries or court proceedings. Under such circumstances, you
will want to demonstrate that your plans took the relevant legislation into account.
Security Planning - What you can do
- Think about the threats you may face and the risks they pose.
- Take the best available advice on how to reduce the chances that a terrorist
attack will cause injury to your staff and visitors and disrupt your business
activities.
- Develop contingency plans, ensure that all staff are familiar with them and
practise them.
- Do not develop your plans in isolation. Check that your arrangements are compatible
with those of the emergency services and your neighbours.
- Review and update your contingency plans regularly.
Some of the information here has been taken from the MI5
website, if you would like advice and guidance for security planning for your
organisation, please contact us for a free initial consultation and advice.
