The risk of becoming a victim of a personal attack at work remains low for most people.
However, the vulnerability of staff is easily overlooked eg: being the first to arrive or last to leave the premises, facing angry customers, dark and unlit car parks to name a few.
Potential violence at workplaces can be addressed through a simple 4-stage process:Stage 1 Finding out if you have a problem
Stage 2 Deciding what action to take
Stage 3 Take action
Stage 4 Check what you have done
Stage 1 Finding out if you have a problem
The first step is to identify the potential for violence or aggression at your workplace.
You may think violence is not a problem or that incidents are rare, but it is beneficial to discuss the matter with your staff to find out their views. You will need to offer confidentiality.
Stage 2 Deciding what action to take
Decide who might be harmed, and how.
Stage 3 Take action
Once you have decided upon the actions your are going to take to protect your staff from violence or aggression, make sure they are aware of them. This will help your staff to co-operate with you, follow procedures properly and report any further incidents.
Stage 4 Check what you have done
Check on a regular basis how well your arrangements are working, consulting
staff as you do so. Keep records of incidents; they will show what progress you are making and if your procedures are working.
If your measures are working well, keep them up. If violence is still a problem, try something else.
Go back to Stages 1 and 2 and identify other preventive measures that could work.
If you need help with a Violence and Aggression Policy for your workplace, or require more detailed and practical information on how to protect your staff contact Essential Safety.
