Did you know that parking lots are one of the most common places where workplace injuries and mishaps occur?
Slips, falls, and even car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, costing you hundreds of dollars!
No need to worry! Our blog offers simple tips to ensure your employees’ safety when walking to and from their cars, whether early in the morning or late at night. Secure your parking lot with high-tech CCTV cameras, bright lighting to deter crime, and strong perimeter fences for added protection.
We will also tell you how emergency call boxes and regular maintenance ensure quick response and a well-functioning system.
At the end, we discuss a comprehensive security system that offers a multi-layered approach to securing your parking lot for employees!. First, let’s just have a look at why you need to secure your parking lots:
Why do you need to secure your parking lot?
Parking lot mishaps and accidents:
Commercial buildings, big or small, almost always have parking lots. These areas can become hotspots for grab-and-run thefts, hit-and-run accidents, robbery and assault, carjacking, motorcycle theft, graffiti, and more!
Here is a list of just a few real-life examples across North America:
- Walmart worker crushes woman in foggy morning collision.
- A Kroger employee was struck and killed in the parking lot.
- Cedar Point worker tragically ran over in the parking lot.
- Linden Store Employee fatally shot in parking lot incident.
But that’s not all! When employees get hurt at work, the costs to maintain their goodwill can be enormous.
Expenses related to parking lot mishaps:
Employers can be held liable for injuries or damage sustained on their property, especially if they fail to take reasonable security measures. This could involve lawsuits and settlements for victims of crimes, accidents, or even slip-and-falls due to poor lighting.
American workers’ compensation boards typically consider injuries from workplace violence, including fights, to be work-related. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the rules employers must follow to keep their workplaces safe, including parking lot safety.
For example, a lawsuit from an employee who was assaulted in the parking lot could cost the employer hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and a settlement.
Suppose an employee is injured in the parking lot during work hours (e.g. while walking to their car or on a break). In that case, the employer may be responsible for workers’ compensation costs, including medical bills and lost wages.
Best tips for parking lot safety for employees:
- Install security cameras
- Install sufficient lighting
- Strong perimeter fencing
- Emergency call boxes
- Schedule regular maintenance programs
- Maintain traffic flow
- Remote video monitoring
- Restrict headphones and earbuds
Install security cameras:
Visible security cameras with high-definition resolution and night vision capabilities are a strong deterrent and crucial for identifying perpetrators after an incident.
You can place cameras at critical points throughout the parking lot, such as entry/exit points, walkways, and near building entrances. You can easily prevent car and motorcycle theft if you leave no surveillance gaps.
Ensure clear signage is posted to inform employees and visitors that the area is under video surveillance. Here, we have researched some of the most essential areas of camera placement that you can not afford to miss out on in the parking lots:
Tips for Placing Security Cameras in Parking Lots:
| Location | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Entrances & Exits | PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Camera (High Resolution, Night Vision, License Plate Recognition (LPR) Optional) | To monitor incoming and outgoing traffic, capture license plates for access control or investigation (with LPR), and allow for zooming in on suspicious activity. |
| Main Parking Areas | Bullet Cameras (High Resolution, Wide Field of View, Night Vision) | To provide broad coverage of parked vehicles and activity throughout the lot. Depending on the lot size, multiple cameras are used for comprehensive coverage. |
| Perimeter Fences & Dark Corners | Vandal-Resistant Dome Cameras (Night Vision) | To deter vandalism and trespassing, monitor activity in low-light areas, and capture clear footage even in harsh weather conditions. |
| ATM/Pay Stations | Vandal-Resistant Dome Cameras (High Resolution) | To increase security for valuable equipment and deter theft or vandalism at payment stations. |
| Stairwells & Walkways | Vandal-Resistant Mini Dome Cameras | To improve safety and deter crime in areas with higher pedestrian traffic, especially if poorly lit. |
Install sufficient lighting:
Poorly lit or isolated areas of a parking lot can create opportunities for muggings and other violent crimes. Well-lit parking lots with minimal shadows deter crime by making it harder for criminals to hide themselves.
Brighten up your parking lot, whether it’s walkways and entry/exit points. When you increase the visibility, criminals are less likely to target an area where they are easily seen.
LED lights are the clear winner for parking lot lighting. They are:
- Long lifespan: Minimizes maintenance and replacement costs.
- Energy-efficient: Save on electricity costs compared to traditional options like metal halide.
- Durable: Can withstand harsh weather conditions.
LED lights provide a natural and clear view of the surroundings.
Now, you must be wondering how much lighting is enough!
The goal is to eliminate dark spots and create a well-lit environment that deters crime and improves pedestrian and vehicle safety. So feel free to place as many, keeping in mind the following.
Tips for parking lot lighting for employee safety:
- Provide adequate lighting: Ensure sufficient light levels throughout the parking lot, especially during dark hours.
- Uniform distribution: Distribute light fixtures evenly to avoid dark spots and shadows.
- Use the right light color temperature: Choose warm white or neutral white light (around 3000K-4000K) to provide good visibility without being overly harsh.
- Layer lighting: Combine different lighting types (e.g., overhead lights, bollard lights, wall lights) for better visibility and to create a more inviting atmosphere.
- Shield lights: Use shielded fixtures to minimize light spillover onto neighboring properties and reduce glare.
Perimeter Fencing:
Unattended cars in parking lots with inadequate perimeter fencing can become prime targets for thieves who wait for employees to get to their cars and then attack them to steal the entire vehicle or any valuables left inside.
For example, the risk of accidents is high in shopping malls with so many vehicles maneuvering nearby. Inattentive or reckless drivers may flee the scene after causing damage or injury to the mall’s security guard or employee going home after their shift.
We have researched the best perimeter security solutions for your lot:
- Security radars detect the presence and movement of objects using radio waves.
- Short-range outdoor motion detectors use infrared and microwave technologies to detect people or objects in a small area.
- Long-range outdoor motion detectors use infrared or microwave technology to detect movement in large areas.
- Photoelectric sensors use a beam of light to detect the presence of objects.
- Fence sensors to detect attempts to cut, climb, or lift fences.
Gated parking lots with controlled access points can restrict unauthorized entry and improve security. Consider using high, sturdy fencing made of materials that are difficult to climb or breakthrough.
Emergency Call Boxes:
Strategically placed call boxes with clear instructions enable employees to quickly contact security or emergency services in case of an incident.
Mount call boxes throughout the parking lot in high-visibility locations, particularly near building entrances, walkways, and isolated areas. Ensure the call boxes are well-lit and easily accessible, even in low-light conditions.
Regularly test the call boxes to ensure they are functioning properly. This should be done on a predetermined schedule, such as monthly or quarterly. Testing should involve making a call to verify that the connection goes through to the appropriate security personnel or emergency services.
Regular Maintenance Program:
A well-defined and regularly executed maintenance program proactively addresses potential hazards in the parking lot before they can cause accidents or injuries.
You can schedule bi-annual inspections to see if there are any uneven pavement, malfunctioning lighting, damaged curbs, or signs with missing information.
Furthermore, the program should ensure proper drainage to prevent flooding or icy patches during the winter.
By promptly addressing these issues, you minimize the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, equipment failures that could leave employees stranded or vulnerable in the dark, or limited visibility due to malfunctioning lights.
customers. Detect loitering.
parking violations, and assaults.
Live remote video monitoring prevents vehicle theft, parking violations, and assaults.
Maintain Traffic Flow:
A well-designed parking lot with clear lane markings, designated parking areas, and proper signage promotes smooth traffic flow.
This reduces congestion, minimizes the risk of accidents due to collisions or maneuvering in tight spaces, and allows for a more predictable flow of vehicles.
Entrances and exits should be designed to handle the expected volume of traffic without creating bottlenecks.
Consider designating separate lanes for entering and exiting vehicles, especially during peak hours.
Yield signs and clear pavement markings can further guide traffic flow and prevent confusion. Enforcing speed limits within the parking lot can also contribute to a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers.
Restrict Headphones and Earbuds:
While walking in the parking lot, headphones and earbuds can limit an employee’s awareness of their surroundings and potential dangers.
This is especially true for noise-canceling headphones, which can completely block out important sounds like approaching vehicles, security announcements, or cries for help.
Restricting headphones and earbuds encourages employees to stay alert and be more receptive to their environment.
This allows them to hear potential hazards such as car alarms, honking horns, or someone approaching them from behind.
Remote video monitoring:
Unmonitored parking lots are more prone to theft and vandalism, whereas remote video monitoring offers a powerful solution for improving employee safety and security in parking lots. Here’s how:
1. Integrating security cameras:
Cameras provide constant monitoring when you integrate them with remote video monitoring. To create a secure and well-monitored environment for your employees in the parking lot, you can also consider using advanced video analytics topped up on your camera.
The alarm is triggered at the remote video monitoring center as soon as the camera detects any of the following
- Object detection: unauthorized objects or people spotted.
- Traffic flow: disruption in normal traffic patterns detected.
- License plate recognition: unregistered or black-listed vehicle enters the lot.
- Loitering detection: suspicious individuals or cars lingering in the area.
- Slip and fall detection: detects slip and fall for immediate assistance.
Zero missed plates.
AI-powered accuracy—improving traffic monitoring,
access control, and parking enforcement using your
existing cameras.
Capture and verify license plates in real time with AI-powered accuracy—improving traffic monitoring, access control, and parking enforcement using your existing cameras.
As soon as the camera AI detects a security breach, the remote operators spring into action to assess the situation by accessing the live video feeds.
The vigilant operator takes control of the situation and acts according to the client’s SOPs, whether through voice intervention, contacting the necessary personnel, or calling authorities like the police or fire brigade.
2. Integrating access control:
Your gate access system can be integrated with remote video monitoring, giving remote operators complete or partial control over who gets in.
Integrate the system with key cards, fobs, or license plate recognition to control who enters and exits the parking lot, further enhancing security.
3. Integration with intercom:
Empower employees to discreetly alert security or call for help with a single click in an emergency.
The integration allows for direct communication between the employee in need and the security team or emergency responders. This ensures clear and timely communication, facilitating a faster and more effective response.
Key takeaways:
Parking lot safety is crucial for employees well-being and can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and even criminal activity. Implementing a multi-layered approach is key, including:
High-tech security cameras: Deter crime and provide evidence for investigations.
Bright lighting: Eliminate dark spots and improve visibility.
Strong perimeter fencing: Restrict unauthorized access and discourage theft.
Emergency call boxes: Enable quick response in case of emergencies.
Regular maintenance: Address potential hazards before they cause problems.
Traffic flow management: Reduce congestion and prevent accidents.
Employee awareness: Encourage alertness and responsible behavior.
Remote video monitoring: Offer real-time surveillance and intervention.
Contact us today for a customized security solution for your parking lot!
