All About Security: What is the difference between Safety and Security?

In order to distinguish the difference between safety and security, let us first identify the basic core function of the two subjects.

To begin with, what is security?

SECURITY comes from the Latin word "Securus" which means free from danger or safe

The new Webster dictionary defines security as the state of being secure; confidence of safety; freedom from danger or risk; that which secures or makes safe; something that secures against primary loss.

SAFETY comes from Latin adjective “Salvus” which means safe or health

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines safety as freedom from harm or danger; the state of being safe; the state of not being dangerous or harmful; a place that is free from harm or danger.

Both Safety and Security objective is to prevent the loss and damage of life and property. Thus, these two words are interrelated which each other, so meaning they are in one breath.

Even though they were in one breath, and despite the interrelationship among them, Safety and Security represent two different matters.

What are they? Ok, let’s find out here.

One distinction between the two words which I could visualize is that “SAFETY” is preventing incidents or accidents to happen that might cause the loss and damage of life and property.

Please keep in mind that in the building structure, installations and fixtures and in any public and work places there’s always a hazard. To ensure the safety of every individual, the management or safety professional should check and correct unsafe acts and unsafe condition that could lead to incident/accident.

For example: Failure to follow safety operational procedures, Using defective tools and equipment, Inadequate posting of guard, and improper storage of flammable materials.

So, SAFETY is checking and correcting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions in the buildings, offices, home, and in public and work places.

On the other hand, in my understanding SECURITY is represent a system of barrier or protection to install between the company, assets, people and its vital information from intruder or potential unscrupulous person, such as; terrorist, burglars, spies and vandals.

For Example: To ensure that the building/facility as well as its people is safe and secured, the management or security professional should install system of barriers, such as; Security guards, CCTV camera and, Access Control System Machine detectors, and trained Dogs.