How Hotels and Restaurants in Northern Ireland Are Rethinking Safety Measures

How safe and secure your hotel is will have a direct impact on its reputation.

What’s interesting is that hotel safety and security are not always the first things that cross a customer’s mind when they’re deciding where to stay or dine. But when they encounter a safety issue, their experience will be so dreadful that it will be difficult for them to ever overlook that experience.

Even minor security issues can result in a terrible customer review online. What’s worse is that these cases can escalate into lawsuits and full-blown PR crises. Except, it doesn’t have to get there.

Here are six safety measures hotels and restaurants in Northern Ireland are implementing to protect both their staff, guests, and assets.

Use of modern access control systems

Hotels must have complete control over access to the different parts of the establishment. The best way to achieve that is through modern key card systems. 

These systems give you complete visibility over who has access to what rooms or spaces. They also leave a trail which you can follow in case of any incidents. That’s why hospitality businesses throughout Northern Ireland are upgrading to key card systems.

Key card management systems give you that granular control. A certain hotel staff member can have access to the guest rooms and not the server room, for example.

That eliminates cases of employees being where they shouldn’t be, which can compromise the safety and security of both your assets and the guests staying at your establishment.

Advanced surveillance systems
Access control and surveillance systems go hand in hand. Hotels in Belfast and other parts of NI are installing advanced surveillance systems to keep an eye on what is happening at key areas like entry points, exits, halls, reception, parking lots, and loading bays.

You must use modern commercial security cameras for this purpose. The best commercial cameras support playback, which you will need in case you ever want to review footage. They also capture high-quality footage and support infrared night-vision to ensure you have an easy time tracking security breaches.

Plus, they integrate with other security systems like alarm systems and motion detectors.
That said, hotel guests also value privacy. So, follow GDPR when installing your surveillance system.

Tell your guests where the systems are active and why they are necessary.

Do not install these systems inside hotel rooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, or other areas where guests expect privacy.

Clear emergency procedures
What should your restaurant staff do in case of a security emergency? Is there a procedure in place that clearly stipulates their next steps? 

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service provides several safety guides you can follow to create your restaurant’s emergency procedure guide.  

Update your emergency procedure guide regularly to reflect any changes you make to your
premises. Your fire alarm, sprinklers, and extinguishers must be inspected regularly to keep them in pristine condition.

Strict employee vetting procedure
Businesses are also keen to prevent security breaches arising from inside jobs. Remember,
employees know your premises better than everyone else. They know the layout of your
establishment, where the safes are, the server rooms, where the cameras are located, and so on.

As such, restaurants and hotels are careful to vet every employee before they’re hired.
Businesses must conduct thorough background checks before bringing new staff on board.

Hiring and empowering employees
Technology can only get you so far. Therefore, while a good surveillance system is critical, you must complement it with enough staff to keep your facility safe and secure.
The best hotels train all their staff and empower them to be able to identify potential security and safety hazards and report them through the correct channels.

Maintenance of outdoor spaces
A well-maintained outdoor space is an instant visual win for your facility and an even better
security feature. That’s why hotels and restaurants are investing in proper landscaping and
outdoor lighting. This gives an establishment the visual appeal it needs to attract customers while also making it easier for your security team to do their job.

Your facility will be much safer and secure when there are no bushes where intruders can hide or untrimmed trees that obstruct your security cameras. Wouldn’t you agree?
In closing Most customers go through reviews before visiting an establishment. Social media has also made it much easier for customers to share their experiences. This leaves businesses with very little room for error.

Modern establishments are only ever one viral TikTok away from having a full-blown PR crisis in their hands.

Northern Ireland businesses are avoiding this by building robust safety and security systems through the six strategies discussed above.

Sources

https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/hotel-security