Top 5 Risks of Relying on Staff for Opening and Closing

Opening and closing times are critical moments in any business day. They determine whether staff can start work on time and whether the site is fully secured at night. Many businesses leave this responsibility to employees, but doing so comes with significant risks. Here are the top five reasons why relying on staff for opening and closing could cost you time, money and peace of mind.

1. Delays and lost productivity

If the designated keyholder is late, sick or forgets their keys, staff are left waiting outside. Every minute lost costs money and credibility, and customers may also be left standing at locked doors. A professional lock and unlock service guarantees that your premises open on time every day.

2. Incorrect lock-up procedures

Closing a site is not as simple as turning a key. Staff may rush or skip steps at the end of a long day. Alarms may not be set, windows could be left open, or doors unlocked. These oversights leave the building exposed to burglary or fire. Professional officers follow strict procedures to eliminate these risks.

3. Staff safety concerns

Opening early in the morning or locking up late at night often means staff are alone and vulnerable. They may encounter intruders, be targeted during access or feel unsafe walking to and from their vehicles. Having a uniformed guard present adds visible protection and reassurance.

4. Insurance and compliance issues

Some insurers prefer or even require professional keyholding and lock and unlock services. Claims may be more difficult if a loss occurs and procedures are not compliant with British Standards. Using a professional provider ensures alignment with BS 7858, BS 7984 and BS 7499, helping demonstrate proper risk management.

5. Increased stress and staff turnover

Employees hired to serve customers or deliver services may resent being responsible for the site’s security. Worrying about key handovers, alarms, or late lock-ups adds unnecessary stress. Over time, this can impact morale and even lead to higher turnover. Professional support removes this burden so staff can focus on their roles.

Copeland’s professional solution

Copeland Group Services provides lock and unlock support with officers vetted to BS 7858, keys controlled under BS 7984 and processes aligned with BS 7499. Our 24-hour UK-based control room, ISO certified systems and NSI and SIA ACS accreditations guarantee compliance, reliability and visible deterrence.

More than lock and unlock

Lock and unlock is just one part of Copeland’s wider service portfolio. We also provide:

• Manned guarding to protect staff and property on site
  
• Mobile CCTV towers for rapid deployment and 24 hour visibility
  
• Alarm response to handle alerts quickly and safely
  
• Keyholding with full accountability and secure custody
  
• Event security for everything from local gatherings to large festivals
  

By combining services, businesses can build a tailored package that covers every risk and provides complete protection.

Taking positive action

Opening and closing should never be a point of weakness. By replacing staff dependency with professional lock and unlock support, and integrating it with other Copeland security services, you ensure your business runs smoothly, safely and securely.

Get In Touch Now

Ready to eliminate the risks of relying on staff? Contact Copeland Group Services today to discuss how our professional lock and unlock support, backed by a full range of security services, can keep your property secure, compliant and stress-free. Or see our lock and unlock case study here!