THE HSE has launched a series of real-life case studies that aim to give practical and cost-effective help to employers to reduce the risk of violence to their lone or mobile workers. It is hoped they will help reduce the 1.3 million violent attacks on wo
Chris Rowe, from the HSE Psychosocial Unit, said: “Encountering drug and alcohol use, working in certain geographical locations, and working late at night or early in the morning are among the key risks identified in becoming a victim of workplace violence.”
But ordinary measures, such as giving staff mobile phones and panic alarms, keeping tabs on their movements and sending them out in pairs can all help lessen the possibility of violent attacks.
The case studies focus on: retail; health and care workers; security; public transport; financial services; and the self-employed.
HSC chair Bill Callaghan commented: “These case studies clearly demonstrate that the most successful solutions usually arise from the way the business is run. High technology and high-cost security equipment will normally only be needed where there is a particularly high risk of violence.”
A free guidance leaflet: Violence at work, a guide for employers can be found on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg69.pdf
