Most security issues don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of gaps no one noticed—an unlocked door, outdated CCTV, blind spots in car parks, no clear procedure when someone becomes aggressive, or simply assuming “it won’t happen here”.
That’s exactly what a security risk assessment is designed to prevent.
So, What Is a Security Risk Assessment?
A security risk assessment is a structured process used to identify threats, uncover vulnerabilities and determine the level of risk to people, property, operations and reputation.
It answers three key questions:
- What could go wrong?
- How likely is it to happen?
- What can we do to reduce the risk in a practical and cost-effective way?
In Western Australia, most professional assessments follow the ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Framework and can be adapted for councils, universities, commercial properties, critical infrastructure, events and more.
Why It Matters
A security risk assessment helps you:
- Prevent incidents before they occur, rather than reacting after the damage is done
- Justify budgets and improvements with evidence, not assumptions
- Meet insurance, legal or council compliance requirements
- Protect staff, students, contractors, visitors and the public
- Reduce losses from theft, vandalism, aggression or internal misconduct
- Avoid overspending on unnecessary technology
What’s Included in a Security Risk Assessment?
Understanding Your Site and Risks
This includes the purpose of your facility, its operations, critical assets, site layout, staff roles, public access points, high-risk zones and the organisation’s tolerance for risk.
Identifying Threats
Common threats for Perth sites include:
- Theft, vandalism and break-ins
- Unauthorised access to restricted areas
- Aggressive behaviour towards staff or customers
- Insider risks (contractors, employees, former staff)
- Public safety risks during events
- Vehicle-based threats or deliberate ramming (HVM)
- Environmental factors like bushfire, storm damage or power failure
Identifying Vulnerabilities
This is where weaknesses are exposed, such as:
- CCTV blind spots or outdated systems
- Poor access control or key management
- Insufficient lighting in car parks, walkways and entrances
- No duress alarms or emergency communication procedures
- Unsecured gates, loading docks or plant rooms
- Policies that exist on paper but aren’t being followed
Risk Rating (Likelihood vs Consequence)
Every threat and vulnerability is assessed using a risk matrix:
- How likely is it to occur?
- What would happen if it did?
- Does it pose a low, medium, high or extreme risk?
This ensures decisions are made based on evidence, not gut feeling.
Practical Treatment Recommendations
A good assessment doesn’t just identify problems—it tells you how to fix them. This could include:
- Improving CCTV positioning or monitoring practices
- Upgrading access control or swipe card permissions
- Re-designing landscaping or entrances using CPTED principles
- Increasing lighting levels to meet Australian Standards
- Introducing visitor management, lockdown plans or staff training
- Developing or updating policies and response procedures
Implementation and Review
Security is not a one-off task. The assessment should include:
- Who is responsible for each recommendation
- What it will cost
- How quickly it should be implemented
- How often it should be reviewed or updated
Who Should Have a Security Risk Assessment Done?
Security risk assessments are essential for:
- Local governments and public facilities
- Universities, TAFEs, schools and training campuses
- Shopping centres, retail precincts and car parks
- Commercial offices and high-rise buildings
- Industrial sites, transport depots and utilities
- Construction sites and development projects
- Public events requiring crowd safety and HVM plans
Why Choose an Independent Security Consultant?
Many businesses go straight to security companies who sell cameras, alarms or guards. The issue? The advice is not always independent.
Smartsec Security Solutions operates differently:
- We are consulting only — no product sales, no installations, no commissions
- Our assessments are based on risk, evidence and operational needs
- We follow ISO 31000 and relevant Australian Standards
- We work extensively with local governments, education and commercial sectors across WA
- Every report includes maps, photos, risk ratings and practical recommendations you can act on
Final Thoughts
A security risk assessment is not just a checklist or compliance exercise. It is a decision-making tool that gives you clarity, reduces uncertainty and helps you invest in the right security measures—not just the most expensive ones.
Done properly, it protects people, assets, reputation and business continuity.
Need a Security Risk Assessment in Perth or WA?
Smartsec Security Solutions provides independent, ISO 31000-aligned security risk assessments and protective security advice across Western Australia.
- Based in Perth – servicing metro and regional WA
- No sales, installations or product bias
- Government, education, commercial and infrastructure expertise
Email: [email protected]
Call: 0401 764 518
