HSE LAUNCHES NEW STUDIES TO HELP MANAGE THE RISKS OF VIOLENCE TO LONE WORKERS

HSE press release: E201:03 - 15 October 2003

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 is being launched today by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

At a conference on Personal Safety at Work, held today by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Chris Rowe from 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.

"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.

"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 case studies are available on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/violence

Notes to editors

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 http://books.hse.gov.uk

4. A free guidance leaflet "Violence at work, a guide for employers", INDG69(rev),
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg69.pdf is available from HSE Books. Specific priced publications are also available from HSE Books for the following sectors: health services, education, retail, and banks/building societies.

5. For more information on The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, visit: www.suzylamplugh.org

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