Working practices
There are a number of factors relating to how jobs are designed or carried out that may increase the risk of violence and crime happening to you or your staff.
What are the risks?
Cash handling and transit
Staff carrying out these activities may be particularly vulnerable to robbery attacks.
If this is a risk for you or your staff:
- Reduce the amount of cash handled, particularly in front of customers, as far as reasonably possible.
- Arrange cash collection where possible. Think about who is going to transit your cash and how. Try to avoid set routines and routes.
Staffing levels
Risks increase where there are inadequate staffing levels. The scope for surveillance will be reduced, and waiting and queuing times might increase, leading to customer frustration. It may also mean there are less staff available to deal with situations once they become difficult or violent.
If this is a risk for you or your staff, think about your staffing levels:
- Wherever possible, make sure you have at least adequate staffing levels for surveillance and to meet customer demands.
- When reviewing staff levels, consider any promotions or events that may influence the need for varied staffing levels.
Dealing with customers
Any face-to-face contact with members of the public increases the risk of verbal abuse and physical attack.
If this is a risk for you or your staff, think about your policies on dealing with customers:
- Try to improve management and staff behaviour towards customers. Good customer service can be key in decreasing violence.
Unusual or late opening hours
This may increase your risk of work-related violence and crime because, for example, there is less surveillance at that time, and customers are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol.
If this is a risk for you or your staff, think about what risks opening late or at unusual hours might bring:
- Increase staff or security provision to make your premises safer and more secure.
- Think about staff personal safety even after your premises have closed, eg how do they get to their cars/public transport?
