PROTECTION ON ALL FRONTS
Dave Whittle, CEO of Positive Response, emphasises the need for employers to protect their staff from violent incidents, as well as from chemical, heat and electrical hazards.
Most people, when thinking about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), conjure up images of hard hats, goggles and other equipment designed to protect the wearer from physical, chemical, heat and electrical hazards, because PPE protects the user against health and safety risks at work.
However it is important to note that the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, are equally intended to protect staff who are at risk from physical violence. One clear way of protecting employees from physical attack and aggression, or violent crime, is by providing them with personal sirens or alarm systems. Staff alarm systems straddle many health and safety legislation areas but, whatever area they are regulated by, they are a vital way of supporting staff in threatening situations.
NEW GUIDELINES Looking at new ways of protecting staff in the workplace, through good governance and health and safety compliance, should be high on every business agenda, and even more so since the new Sentencing Council’s health and safety guidelines came into effect in February this year. The guidelines now include targeting vulnerable victims as an aggravating feature, highlighting an organisation’s responsiblity, under the Duty of Care, to identify all potential hazards, and take the necessary steps to prevent them. This includes the risk of violence
22 | Personal Protection 2016
at work, including any instances where an employee may be at risk from verbal abuse, physical threat, or crime-related injury.
Businesses must put the health and safety of their staff at the top of their agenda if they do not wish to face huge financial penalties and a severely damaged reputation. This should include planning, training, monitoring and review and the use of CCTV and technology.
SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
IS THE ANSWER But, often potentially dangerous situations escalate so quickly that not even security cameras are effective. Specialist equipment is needed to provide added protection. In threatening situations, the ability to raise an alarm, covertly if needed, to allow a third party to take control of the situation, by listening and interacting through a two-way communication system, can provide staff with enhanced security and a sense of well-being. A real-time intervention by a professional, trained in conflict management, can make a significant difference to the situation being effectively diffused or the emergency services being able to react as soon as possible.
When an organisation is using, or is considering using, protective equipment to support staff, employers must:
• Ensure the equipment is constructed or adapted to be suitable for the purpose it is used or provided for.
• Take account of the working conditions and health and safety risks in the workplace when selecting work equipment.
• Ensure work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in suitable working order and in good repair.
• Ensure that all people using, supervising or managing the use of work equipment are provided with adequate, clear health and safety information. This will include, where necessary, written instructions on its use and suitable equipment markings.
As every business situation is unique, an experienced service provider can supply a product, which adequately meets legislation, and analytical data to support a strategic approach to workplace safety. With over 1,750 people being physically abused, assaulted and threatened in the UK each day, an investment in protective equipment can help staff feel safe and secure, as well as support the organisation’s bottom line through increased employee well being, better attendance and motivation at work.
www.positiveresponseuk.com www.tomorrowshs.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32