United Kingdom In A Double Dip Recession - But Security Is Ever-Increasing?

7/30/2019 United Kingdom In A Double Dip Recession - But Security Is Ever-Increasing?

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PersonalPersonal

securitysecuritywhile youwhile you

are at are at workwork

www.theslp.co.uk

The Safer Luton Partnership


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ContentsContentsIntroduction ........................................................................................4

Take Precautions ................................................................................5

Your Approach & Attitude .............................................................6/7

If you anticipate violence occurring ...............................................8

Personal Safety

Risk Assessment .........................................................................17/18

Useful Contacts ................................................................................19

With the car ..............................................................................9

On public transport - buses & trains ..................................10

Taxis .........................................................................................10

When on foot ..........................................................................11

At work ....................................................................................12

Self Protection .......................................................................12

Physical force .........................................................................12

Offensive weapons .................................................................13

Self-defence classes ..............................................................13

Personal attack alarms ........................................................14Office security - points to remember .................................15

Client visiting .........................................................................16


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IntroductionntroductionThis booklet has been written to give basic help and guidance on how

to deal with violence and aggression in the workplace and how you

could prevent an incident from occurring. It also includes general

personal safety advice.

However, it does not provide the sole solution to these issues, it can

only assist with suggestions on reasonable precautions that could betaken.

It is strongly recommended that you also seek advice from your

manager or personnel department to ascertain if your employers have

in operation a policy or code for dealing with violence and aggression

at work.

Your managers have a requirement to carry out risk assessments at

your place of work under the Management of Health and Safety at

Work Regulations 1992.

Remember, your first duty is to yourself. Use your intuition, if you feel

apprehensive stop and assess the situation.

Consider filling out the risk assessment form at the back of the book

to determine any areas in which you work that require further

security.


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Take PrecautionsTake PrecautionsStressful, emotional situations and many other issues can

make visitors and callers to your premises violent and ag-

gressive. It is therefore wise to take reasonable

precautions to prevent an incident getting out of

control.

If you are dealing with someone who could becomeviolent try to always be within earshot of a colleague.

Should this not be possible, or if you suspect there maybe a particular risk, let another member of staff knowwhere you are going to be talking to the person and how

long you expect to be.

Be aware of the techniques for dealing with violence andaggression. THIS BOOKLET WILL HELP.

When leaving your place of employment shortly after deal-ing with a violent or aggressive caller be alert, stay in well

lit areas and consider carrying a personal attack alarm.

If an incident has occurred, make sure your line manageris aware and ensure it is recorded. If you have been in-jured in any way seek medical attention immediately.


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When dealing with callers bear in mind the following behav-

iours that are likely to cause anger or irritation:

TONEOF

VOICE

High

Pitch

Demandi

ng

indiffe

rent

Nagg

ing

Pessimistic

VERBAL

CONTENT

C

riticism

ExcessiveLaughter

Talkin

g overper

son

Expressing opinions in a loud voice

Innu

end

o

Deroga

torywordsor

ex

press

ions

Cynical C

ommentsCo

mparis

ons

with

othe

rs

Shouting

Pok

ingFun

Your Approach &Your Approach &

AttitudeAttitude


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NON VERBAL BEHAVIOURLIKELY TO CAUSE ANGER

AND IRRITATIONShrugging

Boredom

Banging of doors

Clock Watching

Sly Winks

Walking away from a conversation without explanation

Snatching

Feigned indifference

Standing over seated people

Staring

Indiscreet use of communication signals

Breaking off conversations without apologising

Raising eyebrows

Ignoring questions and speaker

Smiling inappropriately

Pointing

Crossing your arms Hands on hips

Waggling your finger Raising your arm or hand

An incorrect approach to a situation can easily cause ag-

gression. A calm, understanding approach will minimise

tension and mounting frustration.


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If you anticipateIf you anticipate

violence occurringviolence occurring Activate panic button if available. Call for assistance - shout for help if necessary. Consider using a password code system to summon help

without drawing attention to the violent or aggressive client. Try to calm the situation down by talking and listening. Any physical intervention should always be a last resort and should never be attempted alone - wait for help to arrive if you can. Furniture and equipment might be damaged - they are not important - your safety and the safety of other members of

staff is. If someone is threatening to destroy or damage a piece of equipment or furniture try to talk them out of it calmly but dont risk yourself by intervening. Sit near the door or the door side of a desk or table within the room so you can get out quickly if necessary. Dont allow yourself to get trapped in a room or building with

a client, offer to shut doors yourself so you know that you are not locked in.

Take time to compose yourself. A cooling down period will allow you to get your thoughts together. Then - record the incident in line with your company policy and procedure. If no policy is in place write down everything that has happened on a sheet of paper. Ensure that any damaged furniture or equipment is removed from the location and replaced as soon as possible.

AfterwardsAfterwards


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Personal SafetyPersonal SafetyPersonal safety means looking after yourself. There are no

set rules, just guidelines. The fear of crime is far greater

than the actual threat and the chances of suffering an at-

tack are very small. However, many of you may be

concerned about your safety while at work, while

travelling to and from work or on business.

It is difficult to advise about personal safety without

causing further alarm. In this booklet we aim to give you an

awareness of the subject which will help you get things into

perspective and feel more confident. These are simple, com-

mon sense things that you can do to reduce your

personal risks.

Always travel on busy routes where possible.Always lock your car after entering or leaving.Check the interior of the car before entering it - especiallythe back seat - and carry a torch after dark.Keep all valuables out of sight.Park in well lit areas.

If you are followed, dont get out of the car, make sure allyour doors and windows are locked and sound your hornor flash your lights to attract attention. Use your mobilephone, if you have one, to call for help.

With the car:With the car:


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On public transport - buses and trains:On public transport - buses and trains:

Avoid isolated bus stops.Sit near the driver or another passenger.Sit on the aisle seat.If pestered, complain to the driver or guard or make use ofthe emergency communication cord.Avoid empty carriages or ones containing only one person.

Taxis:Taxis:Learn the number of a reputable taxi firm.Try and book a taxi in advance and obtain the drivers nameand call sign.Go to a taxi rank if you have been unable to pre-book a taxi.Dont use a cruising taxi unless it is a registered hackneycarriage.

Sit in the back, behind the front passenger seat.Be aware of child locks and central locking.Dont give too much personal information to the driver.


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When on footWhen on foot

Walk briskly, with a purposeful stride, in the centre of the

footpath, facing oncoming traffic and looking straight ahead.Be aware of the location and people around you.Avoid eye contact, cross the road to avoid getting into aconfrontational position.Watch your bags, carry them close to your body and holdwhere the strap joins the bag.Dont label keys with your name, address, vehicle

registration number or make of vehicle.Purchase a personal attack alarm and carry a torch at night.Dont walk around with your personal stereo on. It limits oneof your most valuable senses - your hearing.Be aware at cash dispensers, look behind you before takingyour money out.Be aware in telephone kiosks, face outward to see who is

behind you.Stand near the door in lifts so that you have control overwhere the lift is going and who is getting in or out of it.At bus stops stand in an illuminated place close to others.Carry a timetable detailing the times of your bus.If you feel insecure go to a busy place and order a taxi orphone a friend or relative for help.

Should you be assaulted report it to the police straight away.If you see a fight or suspicious incident report it to thepolice. Do not intervene. Take note of as much detail as youcan, i.e. times, location, a rough description of thoseinvolved including their clothing.Try not to carry everything of value in one place, spreadthem about your person, i.e. in different pockets.


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At work:At work:

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the building, learnwhere the exits and entrances are.Learn how to use the communication system.Be aware of internal reporting procedures for incidents.

Self protection:Self protection:

Using force in self-defence is a last resort. Escape if you can to aplace where you know there will be other people. If you cant then

you may have to use force.

Physical force:Physical force:

The law states that a person under threat of violence can use asmuch force as is necessary, however, the threat must beimminent and the amount of force used must be reasonable and

sufficient only to repel the attack.

As soon as the threat is ended you cannot use any further force.


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Offensive weapons:Offensive weapons:

The law says that you are not allowed to carry an offensive weapon- even for self-protection. Offensive weapons include:

Any article made (i.e. knuckle duster, truncheon) or adapted(i.e. sharpened piece of wood) for use to cause injury to aperson.

or

Any item intended for use in causing injury to another (i.e.any item in a persons possession if the sole reason forcarrying it is for self-protection).

If you had to use force to protect yourself you would be justified inusing any item normally carried on your person for alegitimate purpose (i.e. keys, hairspray, torch).

Self-defence classes:Self-defence classes:

Make sure that any self-defence class that you join is run by a fullyqualified instructor. Knowledge of self-defence techniques andgenerally keeping fit are aids to self-protection. Remember that

you will need to practice techniques regularly in class. Howeverwell you are able to defend yourself you should still take care toavoid the risks where possible.


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Personal attack alarms:Personal attack alarms:

Personal attack alarms can be a good deterrent against anattacker and may make you feel more confident. They should be

carried in the hand ready to use and not in the handbag.

There are many different types of personal attack alarms on themarket and The Safer Luton Partnership would suggest youchoose a battery operated one that allows you to check thebattery is working. Some of these type of alarms can also doubleup as a torch or door alarm and are operated by button, switch or

by pulling out a pin.

ALWAYS check that the battery is working on your personal attackalarm.

Personal attack alarms can be purchased from The Safer Luton Part-

nership at a competitive price.

Call us on 01582 480770 or email [email protected] for morenformation.


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Office security - points to rememberOffice security - points to remember

Never leave valuables on desks or wallets in coats in yourabsence - take them with you or lock them away.

Always keep money locked in a safe, even during the day,even if it is just the tea money; never leave it in an unlockeddrawer.Be careful with keys - always put them in a safe place and donot keep spare keys for safes etc. in desk drawers.Never assume a stranger wandering in the building is amember of staff - challenge them. Even asking can I help

you? will often deter the dishonest.Dont just accept that strangers are authorised to be in thebuilding just because they say so - check with someone inauthority. Never allow anyone to remove any equipment fromyour office without first checking.Dont be overawed by callers - even if they want to see asenior person make sure they are known and expected.

Never leave callers alone in your office - use the telephone toenquire whether someone can see them.Dont disclose confidential information to a stranger - nomatter how important they may seem, always report anysuch request for information to your employer.Dont assume that all staff are as honest as you are - takecare of your property and that of your employer.

If working in the office alone at night or weekends make sureall external doors and windows are locked.If working alone at night, ensure the alarm (if zoned) is setfor all areas except those where you will be working.If working alone at night, make sure that the building isilluminated and not just the office that you are working in, asit draws attention to that location.

Notify colleagues and relatives of your intention to work late,let them know what time you are expected to leave andreturn home. Give them a ring just prior to leaving thebuilding so they know what time to expect you home.


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Client Visiting:Client Visiting:

Dont cold-call on clients - arrange to meet them first at youroffice before you go to their home or office.

If arranging meetings outside your office check on thelocation of your visit, confirm it exists and the person youhave arranged to meet actually works there.Ring back to confirm these details and to confirm they areactually ringing from the number given and the company /office does exist.Prior to leaving the office, leave details of where you are

going, who you are going to see and what time you areexpected to return. Tell someone if these plans change.Contact your office on arrival at and departure from thelocation.Leave a contact telephone number.When parking at the premises always reverse your car into aparking space; it will be easier to leave the location in a

hurry if need be.Arrange to meet colleagues outside any premises and visit inpairs if possible.Carry a mobile phone.Carry a panic alarm, phone card and a small amount of cashin case of emergency.Dont allow yourself to become trapped in a room alone,

especially with someone who is threatening violence.Always sit between the client and the door - so you can leavequickly if need be.If you are not happy with the clients manner, make anexcuse to leave and report it to your supervisor so that theyare aware for future referrals.


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Consider filling out the risk assessment - hazard check liston page 18 (you are welcome to make photocopies).

COMPLETING THE RISK ASSESSMENT:

Tick the boxes where you feel security issues exist in your

workplace. This will help you to determine any areas

within your work which require security measures to be im-

plemented.

WHEN THE RISK ASSESSMENT IS COMPLETE:

If you have ticked any of the boxes you should speak to

your line manger / supervisor as these areas probably re-

quire some security measures implementing.

A Crime Reduction Officer at your local police station may

be able to help you with suggestions on how to deal with

the issues outlined - they can be contacted on 01582

401212.

Further information and presentations on personal safety

can be obtained from Helen Lubin M.B.E., Personal SafetyAdvisor at The Safer Luton Partnership either by calling

01582 480770 or emailing [email protected].

Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment


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Risk AssessmentRisk AssessmentHazard Check ListHazard Check List

Person / area assessed

Assessor Date

Security of buildings - physical andenvironmental factors

access

visitors

3. Isolation in the workplace

security procedure

communication

Reception

interview rooms

personal safety

waiting rooms

personal safety

summoning help

Working in sub-offices

security procedures

personal safety

5. Collecting money

personal safety of employees

trained employees

security procedures

travel

6. Moving/handling money and othervaluables

personal safety

travel

security procedures

7. Late/overtime working

security procedures

personal safety

8. Other peoples premises/houses

travel

communications

personal safety

security procedures

9. Working with customers, clientsand other people

potentially violent situations

security procedures

personal safety

travel

10. Other areas/personal safety risksspecific to work groups

11. Other areas indicated by incidentreports

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2.

4.


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Andrea Adams Trust (UK charity dedicated to tackling workplacebullying) Tel: 01273 704 900www.andreaadamstrust.org

Bedfordshire Police (dial 999 in an emergency)

For non-emergency calls Tel: 01582 401212www.operationscorpion.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Crime Stoppers (to report crimes anonymously)Tel: 0800 555 111

Health and Safety Executive - www.hse.gov.uk

Samaritans (confidential support for people experiencing feelings of

distress or despair) Tel: 08457 909090www.samaritans.org.uk

The Safer Luton Partnership (crime prevention/reduction initiatives in-cluding personal safety, domestic abuse, business, youth, drug

education & mentoring) Tel: 01582 480770 or Email: [email protected]

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust (leading authority on personal safety)

Tel: 020 8876 0305 or email: [email protected]

Victim Support (national charity offering help & support to victims of

crime) Tel: 0845 30 30 900 or Luton Victim Support: 01582 723779 oremail: [email protected]

Womens Aid (national domestic violence charity)Tel: 0808 2000 247 or Luton Womens Aid: 01582 391856www.womensaid.org.uk

Useful ContactsUseful Contacts


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This booklet was compiled byHelen Lubin M.B.E. - Safer Luton Partnership

designed byKeeley Abbott - Safer Luton Partnership

and printed in partnership with

The Safer Luton PartnershipPartnership House, 6 Cardiff Road, Luton LU1 1PP

Telephone: 01582 480770 Fax: 01582 483627Email: [email protected]

Documents

United Kingdom In A Double Dip Recession - But Security Is Ever-Increasing?