About Shredding

Hard copies of sensitive business information, particularly of a financial or strategic nature, should be disposed of securely. For this reason, a shredder can be found in most office departments these days. What’s more, since the Data Protection Act was passed in 1998, companies are obliged to destroy hard copies of information on individuals that could put that person at risk should the information became public knowledge.

There is also a trend towards personal/executive shredders in the workplace so documents can be conveniently shredded at the desk.

Business documents that should be shredded include:

1. Personnel - Salary details, personal data, restructuring plans, pension records, banking details.
2. Sales and Marketing – Sales forecasts, customer data, competitor information, new product development.
3. Production – New tooling, drawings, costing, work schedules.
4. Reception – Visitor information, staff movements.
5. Photocopier/Printer/Fax – surplus or simply forgotten sensitive documents should be shredded to decrease a security risk.

Companies continue to upgrade to shredders with improved security and those which are easier to use.