Warehousing Management

November 1, 2001

THE SAD NEW REALITY

We are living in scary times. When we published our October issue, we did so in the shadow of the terrible terrorist attacks that struck our nation on September 11. Now, the anthrax scare has sent the nation to a new level of insecurity. 

It certainly makes for strange times. We all know our world was forever changed the morning of September 11. That's why we all need to change the way we do business. 

"If I had mentioned to a client three months ago that they needed a contingency plan for biological terrorism, they'd have looked at me like I had a hole in my head," says Barry Brandman, president of Danbee Investigations. 

However, that's the sad new reality. Warehouse executives need to monitor the activity in their warehouses closely. On the same note, they need to do thorough background checks on who they hire -- especially in cases where warehouse workers come in contact with items that are consumed by the public. Nobody likes to think about it, but imagine what could happen if somebody with the wrong intentions got a job in a warehouse that allowed them access to food and pharmaceutical goods. 

We all remember the Tylenol deaths of the 1980s. According to Michael G. Kessler, president & CEO of security consultant Kessler International, that threat is even greater today and could easily be achieved with the use of counterfeit food or drug items laced with deadly poison. Biological attacks of this nature are surprisingly easy to mastermind. Kessler says that just 2 kilos of botulism, anthrax or E. coli, if added to the water system, food distribution system or large lot of digestible food products, could infect 200,000 to 300,000 individuals. 

It is not the media's role to further the anxiety already being felt by the public by focusing on what-ifs such as the above. However, it is our job to inform and educate. For that matter, warehouse managers need to be aware of things that maybe went unnoticed in the past. Take note of employees who bring boxes into your DC or linger alone in an area when other employees go on break. Be suspicious of employees who are in an area they shouldn't be. 

Companies also must provide as many communication links as possible. Brandman says it's imperative for companies to promote a hotline number so employees can react if they notice a security threat. 

Brandman estimates that nine out of 10 logistics firms lack adequate safeguards to protect computer networks and technology interests. And other safety measures like security guards and security gates don't work well enough. 

In light of the unfortunate events of the last two months, that's something we need to change.