Work related violence case studies

Convenience store

A busy family-run convenience store, in a small town opens daily from 8 am until 11 pm, and because it is situated on a main road it attracts a significant amount of passing trade.

Key risks

• Robbery from staff and theft from the shop.
• Assaults.
• Threats and abuse.
• Dealing with disorder.

Reducing the risk

Training and information

• Staff are trained in basic safety techniques. They are taught:
  - not to put themselves at risk (eg don’t resist robberies);
  - to position themselves so they have an escape route; and
  - to summon help immediately, if they need it.
• Staff are encouraged to give good service and have a positive attitude.

Work environment

• The amount of high value goods in the shop is kept to a minimum.
• CCTV cameras have led to a successful prosecution for theft
• A large secure stockroom at the back of the shop holds high value stock.
• Valuable goods are displayed behind or close to the till.
• The till is located next to the shop entrance so that it can be easily seen from the street.
• Staff have a clear view of the entire shop and the street outside.

Job design

• There are always two staff on duty.