When you own a small business, reducing your potential liability for injuries, accidents, and theft are on the top of your list of priorities. Although these protections can come at a financial cost, they often end up saving you both money and stress in the long run. However, Canadian law does provide some limitations and restrictions on the use of security personnel. Read on to learn about the various protections you can realize by hiring and empowering event security personnel at your business, as well as the restrictions you may need to keep in mind.

What types of business security are available?

The easiest form of business security is the installation and monitoring of closed-caption security cameras. These cameras will record all activity in a certain area, and if monitored by an employee, can give you fair warning if a problem customer or employee begins to cause trouble. If your workplace suffers theft, or an employee is injured, you can easily review the video camera footage to ensure you know exactly what took place.

However, another way to help cut shrinkage and liability costs is to employ actual security personnel. This is especially useful if you own a retail business where employee or customer theft may occur, or a facility that manufactures dangerous items. In both cases, your security guards can both monitor current conditions and prevent future accidents or thefts.

How much do security guards cost?

There are two ways to employ a security guard. The first is to empower a current employee to perform security detail, or hire an employee specifically for this purpose. The second method is to contract with a security agency, who will provide a guard to your business at specified days and hours.

In general, using a security agency is less expensive than paying the wages and taxes necessary to employ another individual. Because an agency security guard is employed by the agency, you won't be liable for workplace injuries, retirement benefits, or other components of the employer and employee relationship. However, regardless of which method you choose, you'll be able to obtain the security guard for only the days and hours you need.

Costs vary widely depending on the industry and the chance of injury to the security officer, but in general, you will find yourself paying between $10.00 and $50.00 per hour for security services.

How will security personnel help save your business money?

The savings that can result from a human security force are twofold. First, the financial losses resulting from employee or customer theft can be significantly minimized with the open presence of a security officer. If your business was suffering high theft rates before your hiring of a security officer, these savings may be more than enough to pay for the officer and other expenses.

Second, your liability insurance rates should drop once you've employed a security officer. Because the insurance company is less likely to have to pay out funds resulting from a claim on your behalf, this lower risk is passed on to you in the form of lower premiums.

Are there any restrictions on the use of security personnel?

Some provinces and other jurisdictions will limit the use of armed security guards who are not members of a police force or other sanctioned law enforcement agency. The U.S. case of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman illustrates the potential legal and social backlash that can result from armed security guards taking the law into their own hands. In these cases, the use of an armed guard can actually raise your liability insurance rates and subject you to legal consequences. Be sure to thoroughly investigate the legal restrictions on the use of armed security personnel before entering into a contractual agreement.