Public Servant Lifestyle

New studies have been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into how best to manage the risk of violence to lone workers. With around 1.3 million violent attacks on workers each year a series of real life studies offering practical ways to reduce the threat of violence to lone and mobile workers has been launched.

Chris Rowe from the HSE’s Psychosocial Unit, said: "As part of its strategy to help small businesses, new case studies which offer employers real examples of how some organisations have reduced the risk of violence to their lone workers, have been developed by HSE with the Health and Safety Laboratory.

"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. These case studies show that there are many practical and cost effective ways of tackling violence and that often it is simple measures that are the most effective.

Safety First

"For example, encouraging employees to concentrate on putting safety first. Messages such as ‘do not go into a situation if you feel at risk’ and ‘if you feel threatened, make an excuse and leave’. Behaving in a non-confrontational manner and being aware of how body language and behaviour impacts on others is also important. These cost next to nothing.

"The case studies also highlight the importance of carrying out a risk assessment and providing training and information for staff. The use of mobile phone systems, personal panic alarms, simple office systems to help keep track of staff movements and doubling up with another colleague can all help to reduce the risk of violence."

These case studies form part of the Health and Safety Commission’s (HSC) three-year programme to reduce the incidence of violent attacks on workers in this country. Work-related violence can range from physical assaults to verbal abuse and threatening behaviour.

Commenting on the launch of the case studies, Bill Callaghan, Chair of the HSC said: "Lone and mobile working are becoming increasingly common in today’s society and so I welcome this guidance, which is freely available on HSE’s website. 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.

Mobile Working

"Violence not only has severe effects on employees - physical injuries, anxiety, stress, disability and even death, but also results in costs to businesses – sick absence, high staff turnover, higher insurance premiums and compensation payments. Whether you are an owner, a manager or an employee, these case studies offer solutions that have worked for others and may work for you."

The 19 case studies selected for this guidance cover the following sectors: retail sales; health and care workers; security and enforcement; public transport; financial services; and other service providers, including the self-employed. The case studies are available here. Publication of the case studies is part of the HSC current three-year (2000-2003) programme to tackle work-related violence, with the aim of reducing the number of incidents of violence at work. So far the programme has resulted in the publication of new guidance specifically aimed at small businesses; the development of new National Occupational Standards on work-related violence; and a programme of inspections in the health care sector.

These case studies are intended to build on and illustrate the existing guidance published by HSE in 2002. Work-related violence: managing the risk in smaller businesses HSG 229, ISBN 0-7176-23580-0, price £9.50 is available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 or Fax: 01787 313995

A free guidance leaflet from HSE Books: Violence at work, a guide for employers, is available here.

Further information and advice can be obtained by calling HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500, or by writing to: HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

More information available in Home Working