What is the Problem?

The world today is no more dangerous than it has been in the past, and in some places the danger levels are now lower than at any time in history.  So why do we need Personal Protection courses? 

Here are some thoughts and facts: 

In the U.K., attacks by members of the public on Public Service workers, transport workers, shop and store staff, and in all sectors where there is a direct interface, have increased.  This has led, in some organisations, to a climate of fear.  Add to this the media obsession with violent crime and assault and the perception is that the world is growing more violent, and we are all in danger, whether out and about, in our homes, or at work.

Violent behaviour is on the increase (see the UK Government Home Office - Violent Crime statistics), and this results in a climate of fear where some people avoid going out due to the anticipation of being attacked.

In the past, many individuals were trained in some type of self-defence; at school with boxing or wrestling, at leisure with one of the many martial arts, and in the Armed Services through conscription with unarmed combat techniques being taught.  Today, few schools teach any of the combat sports, conscription is no longer an issue, however, there are still many that seek to learn to protect themselves.  Competitive combat sports are often chosen, however, the very fact that rules apply to the sport, renders much of the content useless for defending against a determined street opponent, or workplacce bully. 

Work-related violence can have serious consequences for employers and employees.  It may have damaging physical and psychological effects and victims can suffer from serious injury, anxiety and stress. The cost to employers can also be high, for example, through low staff morale and high staff turnover.

So what is the solution?  The answer is training,  in both managing the confrontation, and the consequences; whether physical or not.

Who Do We Provide Courses For?

Personal-Safety-Training.com are involved in provide courses in the following industry sectors:

Education
Public Service (Local and National)
Professional Services
Retail
Health Trusts
Leisure
Transport Industry
Service Industry
Voluntary Work and Charity
Sport and Entertainment
Groups and Organisations

Women’s Self Defence Courses
Women’s Personal Safety Seminars
Over 50’s Self Defence Courses
Self Defence for All
Young Person’s Personal Safety Courses (schools and colleges)

Corporate and Government Courses and Seminars

In addition to the basic training we can provide ongoing training for staff and management, refresher courses, induction training and update courses (for instance to take account of changes in legislation).  We can also assist in the preparation and implementation of Personal Risk Management Policies.

What is the Employer's Problem?

Employers should know that each and every employee has the right to work in conditions that are safe and secure.  The law clearly states that it is the duty of the employer to ensure that all employees work under conditions that are free from the threat of violence – whether from bullying in the workplace by colleagues - or by clientele or members of the public. 

The U.K. is rapidly becoming a highly litigious society, and the prevalence of “No Win, No Fee” personal injury claims means that no organisation can afford to be complacent.  Violent incidents are common within the workplace in the U.K., and compensation paid for claims is now running into the hundreds of millions of pounds.  The costs of not undertaking appropriate Risk Management can be very high, with individual settlements running into tens, or even hundreds of thousands of pounds – and the continued rise of insurance premiums which inevitably follow.

Both parties benefit from Personal Safety Training, the employer has taken reasonable steps to train and remove the threat of violence from the work environment, and therefore has a more informed, better equipped workforce; the employee has the knowledge and practical skills to deal with potentially violent situations, and is more confident in dealing with confrontation and violence.  The clientele is faced with a well-trained workforce that is prepared to deal with confrontation in a professional and sympathetic manner. 

Earl Walker, Senior Trainer - Personal-Safety-Training.com.

Personal-Safety-Training.com is a Trading Division of Earl Walker Ltd

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