When you consider the inherent and
increasing dangers of identity theft and corporate spying, as well as
new federal regulations, it makes sense for your business to have one,
if not several, paper shredders on hand to destroy the confidential
documents you aren't able to keep under lock and key. One way to get your employees involved in the
document security process is to implement a company-wide document
safety program. Here are some tips to get your program started.
When you consider the inherent and
increasing dangers of identity theft and corporate spying, as well as
new federal regulations, it makes sense for your business to have one,
if not several, paper shredders on hand to destroy the confidential
documents you aren't able to keep under lock and key. Having shredders
on hand is, however only the beginning. Shredders are only effective if
you and your people use them. One way to get your employees involved in
the document security process is to implement a company-wide document
safety program. Here are some tips to get your program started.
Know The Laws: New federal regulations make your
business liable for the information you throw away. Known as FACTA, the
law requires that individuals and businesses destroy such information
as social security numbers, credit histories, and address information
before discarding it. Make sure that your employees are aware of these
laws, as the penalties and fines for non-compliance can be steep, not
to mention the civil liability and loss of business that could occur as
a result of mishandled documents.
Purchase Shredders and Supplies:
There are many choices on the market, but at the very least, it is
highly recommended that you purchase a shredder with cross-cutting
capabilities. Also, when you shop, think of hoMy Articles: Add New - Free Articles, Free Web Content, Reprint Articlesw many people will be
using the machine, and how often. It seems obvious, but is only human
nature that the more shredders you can place within a shorter distance
of more people, the more they will get used. And that is exactly what
you want.
Buy A Laminator And Supplies For Your Employees And Visitors:
Depending on the kind of office you run, every person on the floor
should be accounted for. Having your own laminator and requisite
supplies is one way to help your security people keep track of
everyone. You can use the laminator to create ID badges and visitor
badges to help identify every person in your building.
Train Your People:
The sooner you can develop a training plan for your employees, the
better. Show them how to identify a properly protected workplace, how
to use their shredder, it's specs and capabilities. Be sure that all of
your employees understand what documents need to be shredded daily.
Designate A Key Holder:
This is someone in your office who will make sure that all employees
have the cabinet keys they need in order to lock up their confidential
materials. Make sure that all filing cabinets and office doors are
locked when the office will be unoccupied for a long time, and/or at
the end of each day. Also, assign keys to central locked cabinets to
either one person, or only to those who will need regular access to
them.
Conduct Surprise Audits: No one
likes this particular kind of surprise, but no one appreciates having
their important and confidential documents fall into the wrong hands
either. One idea is to assign one person in each department to conduct
surprise desk tests. You can then reward the employees who pass the
test and reeducate those who don't.
Of course, you know best how to motivate your employees to make
document security a priority. We just hope we've given you some ideas
to help get you started.
If you are looking for a good quality Paper Shredder for your office, you might want to check out MyBinding.com. They carry the full line of Fellowes Paper Shredders
as well as shredders from GBC Shredmaster, Martin Yale, Intimus, MBM
DestroyIt, Dahle and HSM of America. Choose from a huge selection of
cross-cut and strip-cut paper shredders all at great prices and with
free shipping.
