Security guards in the Yukon are not allowed to bear firearms. Because guards often work alone, there may be no one near to help if accident or injury occurs. Some guards are issued pagers and VHF radios. If they report trouble, or if they have not checked into a head office at a prearranged time, backup guards or the RCMP may be called to investigate, or lend assistance. Guards who work during the day may be in frequent contact with other employees or with members of the public.
Guards can expect to eat on the job, rather than to take regular breaks.
This occupational group has little self-employment. Twenty percent of those who work in the Yukon as security guards and in related occupations are employed in business service industries. Employment Prospects Employment for this occupational group is expected to grow at an average rate in the Yukon, during the period from 1998 to 2008. There will be some new openings and the need to replace those leaving the workforce will account for more job openings. Turnover is high, due in part to low wages for this sometimes stressful work.