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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
Safety Training?
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.
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.
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 Policie
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So what is the solution?
The
answer is training, in both managing the confrontation, and the
consequences; whether physical or not.
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 Should the Employer Know?
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 and able to deal with confrontation in a
professional and sympathetic manner.
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