These case studies were developed by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL). They show real examples of how employers have tackled the problem of violence to lone workers.
They show that there is nearly always a range of possible solutions to every problem, using a variety of simple, practical and cost-effective methods. HSL concentrated on recruiting case study organisations in those occupational sectors which the British Crime Survey shows to have a higher risk of work-related violence. These are:
HSL approached over 400 organisations of various sizes and across a range of different occupational sectors in England, Wales and Scotland. Detailed questionnaires were sent and interviews were conducted by HSL staff with the selected organisations between October 2002 and February 2003. The information which they provided forms the basis of these case studies. Case study organisations or their working practices may have changed since they participated in this study and these changes will not be reflected in the case studies reported here.
There are 18 case studies, ranging from the self-employed (eg a window cleaner) to large multi-national companies (eg insurance and financial firms). Each case study is categorised into the occupational sectors listed above.
Each case study describes:
These case studies illustrate a range of cost effective and practical solutions for tackling work-related violence that may also be relevant to your organisation.
For further information about these lone working case studies ring HSL’s Business Development Unit - Tel: 0114 2892920 Fax: 0114 2892830 e-mail: hslinfo@hsl.gov.uk or write to Business Development Unit, Health and Safety Laboratory, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ. For all other enquires contact Infoline.