How to Prevent Mistakes, Inattentions, and Risky Behaviors.
When it comes to corporate physical security, the focus is often on technology: video surveillance, access control, sensors, alerting software. But no matter how advanced these tools are, there is one element that can render even the most sophisticated system ineffective: human error.
Accesses left unattended, badges surrendered to coworkers, doors forced open because “I’ll just be a minute,” forgetting locking procedures, failure to follow protocol–these are just a few examples of how people’s behavior can compromise physical security in the company.
The human factor is one of the main vulnerabilities in physical protection systems today. Yet it is also one of the aspects that can be most effectively addressed through training, awareness, corporate culture and well-designed procedures.
In this article we will see what the main risks related to human behavior are, how to prevent them, and how a people-centered strategy can strengthen the entire enterprise security system.
Human error as the weakest link in safety
Numerous analyses of critical events in the corporate environment show that a significant percentage of physical security incidents are attributable to human behavior. Not necessarily malicious, but often dictated by:
- Inattention or automatism: one performs a habitual gesture without thinking about it, such as leaving a door ajar.
- Superficiality: you underestimate a procedure because you think it is excessive or unnecessary.
- Overconfidence: it is assumed that “no one will come in” or that “nothing will happen.”
- Operational urgency: a decision is made to “skip a step” to do it sooner.
- Lack of training or awareness: the employee does not know or understand the consequences of his or her behavior.
A technological system can record an access or an alarm, but it can never completely replace the judgment, responsibility and awareness of the people who work in sensitive places every day.
Most common risk behaviors
Here are some of the most common situations that, if left unmanaged, can seriously threaten physical safety:
- Badges shared among colleagues or loaned to vendors
- Doors left open for convenience or to avoid slowdowns
- Temporary deactivation of sensors or alarms to “work more comfortably”
- Entry of unauthorized personnel accompanied informally
- Out-of-hours accesses without prior notification
- Failure to report detected anomalies
- Recording errors or omissions in security records
These behaviors are not always malicious, but often result from a lack of attention, operational pressure, or a prevention-unfriendly organizational culture.
How to reduce the impact of the human factor
- Continuing education and practice
Security cannot be addressed with just one course a year or a signature on a company policy. It needs ongoing, up-to-date, concrete training focused on real cases. It is important for employees to know:
- Because a procedure exists
- What risks are taken if it is ignored
- What are the personal responsibilities
- How to act in case of doubt or emergency
Practical simulations, periodic drills and role playing activities are key tools for ingraining the correct behaviors in people’s working memory.
- Active involvement of staff
People are more likely to comply if they understand the value of safety and feel involved. This requires:
- Transparent and continuous communication
- Listening to suggestions and critical operational issues
- Involvement in establishing or reviewing procedures
- Recognition of virtuous behavior
A good security system is not imposed, it is built together with those who live those environments every day.
- Culture of widespread security
In addition to training, we need to create a shared mindset in which safety is experienced as a value and not an obligation. This comes through:
- Constant example of management
- Inclusion of the topic of safety in company moments (meetings, communications, onboarding)
- Integration between security function, HR, operations and HSE
- Removal of implicit incentives to “skip the rules” to do faster or produce more
A strong safety culture is the most effective antidote to systemic human error.
Technology and people: a necessary balance
Technology plays a crucial role, but it cannot replace the human factor. On the contrary, it must be designed to support people, simplify the application of rules, report anomalies early and provide useful data to improve behavior.
An effective security system is one in which technology and human behavior reinforce each other:
- Access systems that prevent undue sharing
- Intelligent alerts that guide the operator in correct answers
- Dashboards that report recurring errors and help intervene with targeted training
Conclusion
The human factor is a major challenge for corporate physical security. But it is not a risk to be suffered; it is a lever to be managed.
Investing in security training, awareness and culture means reducing the most insidious and unpredictable vulnerabilities.
Because in the end, even the most advanced system matters little if those who use it don’t know, can’t or won’t use it the right way.
And that’s where real security begins.
