As a legal professional, you generate tons and tons of files and confidential client information. Your industry or professional associates counsels you on what you should be doing with this information, how long you should keep it for, and when it can disposed of. Implementing the safe-keeping and safe destruction of your files though, is what is not so straight forward. Your private information is sacred to you, and you are probably weary of letting it out of your sight and handing it off to some self-storage company or leaving it unsecured in the office basement, as you should be. Then when it comes time to destroy those files of yours whose retention time is up, do you have the office intern sit at a paper shredder and manually feed your papers into an office shredder? How are those "shreds" then disposed of? Hopefully not in the dumpster.
As you can see, there are a lot of questions that arise even with the counsel of your industry advising you on what files to keep and for how long. To get rid of your headache, that is where records management company comes in. A reputable records management company can provide safe, and secure storage in climate controlled conditions where your files can be kept for the remainder of their retention period. When that retention period ends, a reputable records management company will also be able to provide certified shredding where after the shredding, the shreds are recycled so that no traces of your information exist except for the white pulp that may then be used again to fulfill one's morning coffee desires.
Find out what a Records Management company can do for YOU....
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It's that time of year again, time for spring cleaning. Usually most people spend daunting days and countless hours organizing their documents every year, but we think that should change. Instead of having everything pile up each year waiting to steal your precious spring days away from you to organize it all, why not implement a plan, a document organization plan, that would allow you to never have to waste spring days again??
We'll do you one better than just telling you that you should formulate a plan, we'll GIVE you the plan! And its SIMPLE! What could be better? If you follow our three-step plan, we know that these three steps will bring you closer to free spring days and futher away from docu-disaster.
Step 1: Digitize. When you come across important documents or files, scan them. Save them on a hard drive, disk, or flash drive. Ensure that these are all secure electronic storage methods by password protecting documents. If you can do this daily or even weekly and get into the habit of it, you will thank yourself in the long-run.
Step 2: Decide. So you've digitized important files. Now you need to decide whether or not the document should have a hard copy stored or if the document is safe to be securely shredded.
Step3: DO! Once you have decided to either store the documents or shred the documents, DO IT!
Having a certified and secure document shredding and archiving vendor can not only help to save you time in that you don't have to shred the documents yourself and office space in not having to store your documents on-site, but a vendor makes it easy to get in the habit of storing and shredding. If you have a box of documents you need to add to your storage account, just give them a call and they should be able to retrieve your box, barcode it, add it to your inventory, and securely store it for you. They should also be able to deliver any documents or files to you upon request. A vendor that stores your documents as well as shreds them is a blessing. Usually, a vendor can provide you with locked, slit-top shredding bins or console that can be placed in your office that you can place sensitive documents into whenever you come across them. Change out of full bin or console for an empty one is just a phone call away.
So now you've got a plan. Give us a call and lets get started!
As the memories of our New Year's celebrations begin to fade, all too often so do our memories of our New Year's resolutions. However, no matter how easy it is to slide back into old habits, the New Year is an excellent time to work on making yourself better. The same goes for records management. Now is the perfect time to create a set of resolutions for proper record storage, retrieval, and document shredding. In that spirit, here are our suggestions:
Resolution 1 – We Will Assume All Paper Has Potentially Private Information
No matter how hard you train your employees on NPI procedures, mistakes happen. A document gets mis-filed, or a worker jots down a social security number on scrap paper because their computer locked up. And, document shredding is cheap. If you shred everything when it's no longer needed, you can't risk an NPI violation, and it reduces your storage and retrieval costs too. An added perk is that most reputable shredding companies recycle all of the paper they shred!
Resolution 2 – We Will Remember That Electronic Records Need Management Too
Yes, having everything computerized makes record storage and retrieval easier, but computers also enable poor records management too. Without physical paper around, filing and destruction deadlines can pass unnoticed. Make sure that your electronic records are policed as carefully as your paper documents.
Resolution 3 – We Will Properly Organize and Barcode Everything We Store
A proper barcoding system does wonders for record storage and document retrieval. It makes final retrieval easier, and allows for a simple way to establish the chain of custody for any set of records. When tied to database software, this also allows for automated tracking of when document shredding time has come around for a particular set of records. Most of the time, if you elect to utilize the help and expertise of a records management company, they will usually either aid in, or perform, the barcoding and organization process for you.
Resolution 4 – We Will Start A Review of Our Records Management Today!
There's no time like the present. Even if you're certain that your business is current on its record storage, document shredding, and data retrieval policies, there's no harm in giving a thorough review of your policies to make sure they're being followed but most importantly, make sure that the policies you have in place are not out of date. Older procedures are not optimized to save time or money because they don’t take advantage of the services that have become more available and more attainable over the years. If you're behind on your record-keeping or you think your policies and procedures could use a tune up, now is definitely the time to start!
And if you need help, don't hesitate to contact us here at Safeguard Records Management Co. With over fifteen years of experience in record storage and retrieval, and multiple options for secure document shredding, we can help you become fully organized no matter what field you're in.
Click to read more information on, or request a quote for, Document Shredding and Records Storage to get started on your RM Resolution!
As 2011 comes to a close, businesses and offices are wrapping up their yearly doings, taking time to enjoy the holidays with colleagues, and getting ready for the start of the new year. Safeguard is too! Safeguard Records Management has decided to bring TWO exciting new offerings to the table in order better serve our destruction and archive customers.
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Our first new offering will allow prospective and current ongoing destruction customers to have choices when it comes to their ongoing destruction bin. We are offering a new, duraflex destruction console in addition to the two convenient sized 35- and 65- gallon bins.This Console has many benefits over our shredding bins for offices looking for a more aesthetically pleasing ongoing destruction solution.
The sleek, clean console with a slit top and locking door allows for the security of a locking bin with the added benefit of looking more like it "belongs". Also, the console stays in place with only the interior insert being emptied rather getting a different bin during every rotation.
If your interested in receiving a shredding console, or switching our your bin for a console, contact Sean Kelly via contact form, phone, or e-mail.
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Watch this video in order to get a general idea of what the Compliance Training can do for your office |
Our second, most exciting offering that Safeguard has decided to take on and provide to our customers in the healthcare industry is the Doctor's Office Compliance Training Program. This exciting program has been developed by NAID, the National Association for Information Destruction and is applicable to healthcare and dental offices. And the best part... it's free! Yes, FREE! The way NAID gets this compliance training program out to healthcare offices is through certified NAID document destruction providers like Safeguard Records Management.
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The program can easily be summarized with the 3 following steps:
Receive the video
Watch & Learn
Be compliant!
That's it! Simple and quick and you're compliant, just like that! So what are the benefits of your office completing this compliance training you ask?
The best part about completing the HIPAA compliance training is, primarily, that you are at less risk of a breach of patient information (and yes, there is a but) BUT everyone knows that anything can happen these days and breaches can happen even in the most compliant and secure offices so here is where the training program really gives you a HUGE benefit... even if there is a breach of data or information, YOU ARE NOT HELD FULLY LIABLE BECAUSE YOU TOOK THE NECESSARY STEPS (i.e. the training) IN ORDER TO BE COMPLIANT!
Can it get any better than that? For minimal time and ZERO cost to you, your office can get trained on compliance with the HIPAA regulations for safeguarding healthcare information. With the maximum HIPAA fine going up 6,000% from $25,000 to $1,500,00 you have to ask yourself, can you really afford not to complete this zero cost training? (Click for more information on HIPAA)
2012 is gearing up to be a great year for Safeguard Records Management as we look to expand and improve our services in order to meet and exceed the growing needs of our customers. If you'd like to have Sean Kelly get in touch with you regarding anything you have read, please fill out a Contact Us form and he will respond to your inquiry within a couple of hours. In the mean time, be on the lookout for more information on our shredding consoles and the Doctor's Office Compliance Training Program so you can take advantage of it as soon as the new year rolls in!
Happy Holiday's and Happy New Year from everyone at Safeguard!
Records management may be the most important business service that you've never heard of. In an era of increasing identify theft and more stringent regulations, however, it's time to get the facts on this important industry.
If your company handles or stores customer information like names, addresses, medical records, Social Security or bank account numbers, then finding a safe, secure way to both manage and dispose your office's paperwork isn't optional—it's mandated by law. Depending on your industry, your business may be subject to federal laws like HIPAA or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, but state regulations often also apply. Some regs, like Massachusetts General Laws 93H and 93I, require companies to have written procedures that outline how paper and electronic files are secured on a day-to-day basis, as well as how they will be destroyed once they are no longer needed. When companies fail to meet these basic standards, they can be subject to prosecution and end up paying significant fines—sometimes per record.
Here's where a Records Management System (RMS) comes in. These services come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but their purpose is essentially the same: to help companies manage their paper and electronic records in such a way that sensitive information is secured and properly stored, and remains accessible if needed in the future. A typical Records Management vendor will offer some (if not all) of the following services:
- Site analysis and compliance documentation
- Secure, off-site record storage for paper files
- Online access to storage inventory
- Scheduled document destruction services, one-time or ongoing
- Document imaging for digital storage and retrieval
- Disaster recovery planning
Of course, not all Records Management vendors are created equal. There are any number of companies to choose from—not all of whom can handle the job successfully. Take the time to evaluate each vendor carefully, and consider the following:
NAID Certification
The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) offers training and certification for Records Management professionals. Records Management vendors with this credential have completed extensive training and have pledged to follow the standards and ethical practices of the NAID organization.
Compliance
A reputable Records Management vendor should know immediately what procedures your business needs to follow to be in compliance with federal and state laws. Educate yourself ahead of time regarding your particular industry so that you know whether their recommendations are on-target.
Security Issues
Learn how the vendor you are considering secures its own facilities. Ask what safeguards are in place for physical files, as well as digitally stored information. Be sure that the company has a definite policy regarding employee background checks. Every employee, but especially those with direct contact with sensitive information, should be thoroughly checked before gaining access to your company's files.
Customer Service
The Records Management vendor you choose should provide evidence of their commitment to customer service. Consider how responsive and flexible the vendor has been during the sales process: Were they easy to reach? Able to offer scalable solutions to your particular company? Was their pricing competitive? Next, ask for references and determine whether or not existing customers are satisfied with their level of service. Finally, determine what procedures are in place to ensure that the vendor is accessible when needed. 24/7 online access to your records is an absolute requirement.
A reputable, service-oriented Records Management vendor will lower your company's risk exposure, reduce document storage costs and allow you to focus on growing your business. Take the time to evaluate your current and future records management needs—and then find the vendor who is right for the job.
It's that time of year again. Time for carving pumpkins, getting out your spookiest decorations and stocking up on candy for the hoards of kids who will soon be roaming the neighborhood.
Halloween has changed a lot over the years. Although it's hard to imagine these days, Halloween or All Hallow's Eve, was not a popular holiday among the early Protestants living in the New England Colonies. It was considered too connected to the religious trappings of the Old World to garner much interest or support. Over time, however, as more and more immigrants brought their All Hallow's Eve traditions with them to their new homeland, the lure of parties, games and costumes proved irresistible, even to our stoic New England ancestors. The holiday we know as Halloween eventually took hold and prospered.
Just as holiday traditions change, so do the rules of how we conduct business. In Massachusetts, companies are subject to a variety of both state and federal laws that mandate how customer information is handled. While business records management used to be something left to the discretion of the individual company, serious concerns about data security and the rise in identify theft have necessitated a more formal approach. It's no longer sufficient, wise or even legal to leave sensitive customer documents lying around the office. It's now a requirement to have a clear, systematic process in place to maintain and manage this type of information.
While federal laws like FACTA, HIPAA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act pertain to specific industries,
Massachusetts General Laws 93H and 93I apply to companies across the board. Under 93H, any business in Massachusetts that retains an individual's name, Social Security number, driver's license number or financial account number (such as a debit or credit card) must have a written plan outlining their data/document security procedures and conduct regular audits to ensure that the procedures are being followed. 93I requires that both documents and electronic files containing sensitive information be destroyed according to a set plan and schedule. Failure to comply with either regulation can cost companies thousands of dollars—per mismanaged record.
Overwhelmed yet? Don't be. At
Safeguard Records Management, we've created a business records management system that will ensure that your company stays in compliance with all federal and state laws requirements. We use the latest technology to maintain, track and secure your sensitive files, and will work with you to develop a customized solution for your unique set of data security needs. We offer a range of services to help businesses manage not only the daily record-keeping process, but the storage and destruction of old company files as well.
Safeguard Records Management prides itself on its comprehensive business records management system and its ongoing commitment to customer service.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide your company with a safe, reliable, and economical solution to your data security and storage needs.
Is your client's personal information protected?
Destroying sensitive documents that are no longer being used is an important legal obligation for any company holding personal customer information.
SAFEGUARD announces a new full service Bin Document Destruction Program designed to free you from the hassle, expense and uncertainty of in house document shredding and disposal.
SAFEGUARD Disposal Bins are provided at no cost and SAFEGUARD will get you started with a FREE NO OBLIGATION ONSITE ASSESSMENT.
Simply drop your sensitive documents in the secure locked bin and our experienced, uniformed personnel will collect your confidential documents for secure transport to our state-of the-art destruction facility.
SAFEGUARD gives you the flexibility of either on-call or regular service intervals to switch out your full bins for empty ones. It’s the convenience of a waste basket with the peace of mind of complete information security.
To get started, call Sean Kelly at 508.795.1015
Safeguard Records Management Co. is a leader in commercial records managem
ent and destruction.
Safeguard manages your critical records and assets off-site in a secure, cost-effective, and confidental manner.
While storing office records may be Safeguard's largest business segment, we provide a diversity of services, from records destruction to providing in-office secure bins to dispose of you sensitive documents for shredding. We will pick up and replace your bins on an on-call basis or on a regular schedule that you choose. Safeguard will also store unused furniture and office equipment at a less expensive rate than self storage facilities. When it comes to your secure storage and certified destruction needs, Safeguard is truly your “One-stop Shop”.
Log onto http://www.safeguardrecords.com/ or call Sean Kelly at 508.795.1015 for immediate help.
Let Our Office be your back office!Servicing Worcester to Boston & everywhere in betweensince 1995!
Servicing the following industries
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medical
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legal
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real estate
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tax
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finance
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education
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construction/building
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architectural
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manufacturing
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many more!