Which of the following is a cost effective way to make the physical environment safer?

• A. Provide lockable 'employee only' bathrooms
• B. Install surveillance cameras in every room
• C. Hire a large security staff
• D. Add decorative lighting

Answer: (A)

Controlling access to restricted spaces is the most cost-effective way to reduce safety risks in a hospital setting. Providing lockable employee-only bathrooms creates a physical barrier that keeps non-staff out of sensitive areas. This simple measure has a high impact on safety for a small upfront and maintenance cost, making it far more economical than high-tech or large-staff solutions. Locks deter unauthorized access, reduce opportunities for theft, drug diversion, or privacy violations, and help ensure that only authorized personnel can enter these spaces, which also supports hygiene and privacy standards.

Compared with installing cameras in every room, hiring a large security staff, or relying on decorative lighting, locks address the access problem directly and with lower ongoing costs. Cameras require monitoring and data handling; staffing a large security team entails ongoing salaries; decorative lighting helps visibility but doesn’t restrict access or significantly reduce risk.