Personal Safety is the study, understanding and management of situations that an individual or group may experience which is physically or mentally harmful to their health or wellbeing, due to the actions of another person or persons.
If you, as an individual have felt threatened, or actually experienced, physical harm from another person, whether at work, when volunteering, or in leisure time, then you need to consider a Personal Safety Seminar.
The situation includes any in which the individual may be threatened with physical harm by members of the general public, work colleagues, people for whom you have a responsibility, or any other person.
It is the intention of Personal Safety Training.com to equip every person who attends one of our seminars to be in a position to deal with circumstances that may be experienced and might be detrimental to their health or wellbeing. Our opinion is that it is incumbent on all of us to take reasonable precautions to ensure that we are not attacked, whether this is in the street, at work, in a pub, bar or club.
Over the years we have seen many organisations offering Personal Safety, Lone Worker and Self Defence training. Many companies get into this training area with only classroom learning (Train the Trainer) and no practical experience, unable to respond to the questions and scenarios, the standard of training is unsatisfactory and disappointing to the delegates. We have recently seen a rise in companies that offer management training get into the market, and just as quickly withdraw. With the delivery of professional seminars for over 30 years, P-S-T offers a professional tried and tested training regime.
This is a one day seminar, specifically tailored for the Lone Worker. Whether lone working in the office/company premises, working off site in an industrial setting, lone working in a care or residential environment, going into peoples homes in a housing or social care situation, or any time a staff member has to lone work outside of the office and/or outside of office hours, this is the ideal training seminar.
The incidence of verbal and physical attacks continue to rise (Unison 2013), and lone workers have a requirement to understand the dynamics involved, how to identify the considerable risks, and how to mitigate these risks by adapting behaviour.
The Lone Worker training seminar is designed to equip lone workers to recognise the indicators of aggression, how to deflect the focus of aggression, how to deal with an aggressive client, how to gain the confidence of the aggressor, how the use of drugs and alcohol may effect the behaviour of the aggressor, and what rights and responsibilities are required by both parties under the law.
This type of training is required even where monitored lone worker protection devices are provided, in order to ensure that Lone Workers do not put themselves at risk. The provision of such devices is no protection, under the law, if the individuals are not trained in Lone Worker safety.
The Lone Working seminar is classroom based and optionally may include significant physical intervention training, which requires working in a group, and one to one. Presentation software is utilised, learning outcomes, notes and resources are provided for future reference.
Lone Workers are requested to complete a feedback form on completion of the seminar, in order that we can report to the client how relevant the participants found the training, and links in to our continuous improvement program dedicated to improving our Lone Working seminars and workshops. Role-play is utilised, in order to provide a realistic situation for Lone Workers to deal with, and to ensure that each of the scenarios are practiced in a simulated conflict which has immediate practical benefits to the participants.
There are sections dedicated to Lone Working in general, and for instance; recognising and mitigating risk, safety whilst travelling, and how to escape should an incident occur further information on content can be found in the sidebar. Additional modules are available which provide strategies covering lone working specifically with Mental Health Suffers, Drugs/Alcohol Abusers, those with Leaning Difficulties, Dementia Sufferers, the Homeless, Former Prison Inmates, and how these scenarios may impact client conduct.
The Lone Working seminar is available with or without physical intervention training (Breakaway/Disengagement), as required, in order to fit in with the Risk Management Policy of the client.
Someone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision.
Lone Worker RegulationsIn addition to the initial training sessions we provide ongoing training for staff and management:
Refresher Seminars - every 3 years;
Induction Training - for new members of staff;
Update Seminars - to take account of changes in legislation.
We can also handle the preparation and implementation of:
Risk Management Policies:
Risk Assessments; Training Procedures:
Risk Reduction Programs
Seminars are standardised to each type of Lone Worker profile, for instance the risks encountered by a Lone Worker in the Housing Sector a tenant will be different from a Lone Worker in Food Safety dealing with management and staff of a restaurant. Standard Lone Worker Training is an efficient and cost effective way of managing the training and risk management of staff. All Standard Training Seminars are eligible for CPD.
Seminars are assembled from standardised modules, specifically for each client, and for each staff profile and job description. This allows each Bespoke Lone Worker Training Seminar to be eligible for CPD. Each seminar is designed ensure that all eventualities are covered, and that the training is a good fit for your organisation.
Personal-Safety-Training offer anti-Bullying seminars for workplace bullying. The seminar can be for an individual member of staff who requires re-training, or a group of individuals where workplace bullying has been identified as an issue.
Bullying may be the cause of absence, and can lead to a number of conditions such as depression, loss of appetite, anxiety, inability to sleep, loss of confidence and self esteem, increased alcohol consumption, withdrawn and anti-social, to name but a few.
Verbal: name calling, abuse, teasing
Physical: pushing, striking, kicking, damage to personal property and belongings
Indirect: spreading horrible stories, exclusion from groups, spreading rumours
Cyberbullying: nasty text messaging, email, social media posts, sharing photos on forums, websites and instant messages
Manipulative: where a person is controlling someone
Conditional: where periods of friendliness are alternated with episodes of bullying
Exploitative: where features of a persons condition are used to bully them
In the workplace, verbal and indirect bullying can be a factor, and in manual employment physical bullying is more common.
In schools, research shows that girls are more likely to suffer from verbal and indirect bullying up to the age of 16. Boys generally suffer more physical abuse, the threat of violence and actual violence. Those with learning difficulties are particularly vulnerable to being bullied.
At Personal Safety Training we provide Breakaway / Disengagement Training that allows employees to deal with physical confrontation. Whether through challenging behaviour or an intent to harm, the response should be swift and decisive. The objective is always to escape whilst causing the least possible harm to the aggressor.
Breakaway Training is designed to allow the service provider, whether a Lone Worker or part of a team, to disengage from any situation where a client, service user or other person takes a physical hold, whether grabbing a hand, wrist, clothing or hair, grabs around the body or in the worst case, by the neck. Escape is always the primary objective. This can be particularly relevant to lone workers or those who have the occasional requirement for lone working.
The principles taught are not self defence, this is reserved for situations where an attacker is determined to rob, assault or injure with violence, and the robust response reflects this. The Breakaway / Disengagement Training is designed and taught around the principle that there is a Duty of Care to the service user. The possible use of contentious and/or physically damaging responses when reacting to an aggressive client is not an appropriate approach. The fact is that the Service Provider and User will often have to continue a relationship after any incident. It is therefore important that the response is not damaging, either physically or mentally, to the long term relationship with the Service User and/or others who may utilise the facility.
Personal-Safety-Training have taken a long hard look at the type of Breakaway Training and the type of response that has been offered in the market, and has taken a completely different approach. Rather than adapt Self Defence, Unarmed Combat or Martial Arts techniques, which are designed to damage the aggressor, we have designed a tried and tested, highly effective series of disengagement methods which are safe, effective, easy to learn and importantly, easy to remember.
The result is a series of techniques, based on principles of disengagement, rather than individual techniques to deal with each specific attack. The syllabus is defined by body mechanics, and all of the escapes are simple and compellingly potent in their application and conclusion.
Breakaway is ALWAYS to be considered the last resort. The objective of Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training is to ensure that challenging behaviour is addressed prior to the situation reaching the point at which defence against physical aggression is required.
All of the Breakaway & Escape techniques taught are non-interventional. This means that there are no strikes, kicks or punches utilised to disengage. The methodology is designed around principles, rather than techniques. In effect this means that the service provider is not expected to remember techniques for every possible attempt to lay hands on them, rather there are a number of easy to remember principles involving each type of physical attempt to restrain or detain.
In these violent times where assaults and attacks on the person are on the increase. The seminar is designed to show you how to avoid attack, or if unavoidable, how to fight back.
The seminar covers the things you can do to avoid getting into a confrontation or violent situation, coping with and protecting yourself from an attacker. You are entitled to feel safe and this seminar will give you the tools to ensure that you do.
The Full or Half Day Seminar comprises practical,effective Self Defence Techniques. There is an additional module available for people travelling abroad.
No specialist clothing is required; tracksuit bottoms, leggings or a leotard and a T-shirt should be worn. The Training Area has mats provided and so no footwear is worn. You are not required to be particularly fit, however, if you are significantly overweight, elderly, have not exercised for a long period of time, or suffer from diabetes, heart, respiratory or back problems, or any medical condition that may be of concern, it is advisable to consult your doctor before commencing any type of training.
Courses have been provided to Women's Organisations, Student Bodies, School Groups, Play Groups, Youth Clubs, Women's Institute and Women's Shelter Groups, among others.
For Individuals, One to One Self Defence training is available.
All our trainers have extensive experience of physical confrontation and self defence in real life, and are qualified to BTEC Level 3 - Self Defence. Many are ex service personnel, or door supervisors, and most have a background in one of the fighting arts. Male and female instructors are available.
Wrist and Arm Hold Escapes
Clothing Hold Escapes
Applying Finger Small Joint Locks
Applying Arm Locks and Shoulder Locks
Using Body Weapons
Using Weapons to Hand
Escapes from Grabs and Standing Strangles
Escapes from Ground Strangles
Breakaway
Take Downs and Throws
Prevention & Avoidance
Self Defence and the Law
"Fantastic. I learned more about how to handle potentially violent situations in one day, than I have picked up in my career so far."
"Many thanks for coming along yesterday - your input was very informative and enjoyable - the staff particularly liked getting to grips with each other in the physical section!"
"Superb seminar, excellent instructor - he really knows his subject."
"The Self Defence seminar has given me the confidence to go out alone, safe in the knowledge that I can deal with a difficult situation, or escape when things get out of hand."
"Wow! Our members were simply blown away by the content and techniques - thank you so much for an enjoyable, informative and constructive day."
"I now actually think about mitigating risks, both personally and at work."
"Very good. Simple techniques that are easy to learn, recall and perform effectively."
"I wish I had this training before, perhaps, I would not have been injured at work if I had. I feel much more confident now, when dealing with difficult and aggressive service users."
"I have attended previous Personal Safety seminars for my work, but none as good as this. The trainer was very knowledgeable, and was able to respond to all of the questions after the class, I was hugely impressed."
"Well worth the time and effort - I feel more confident now."
"I really enjoyed this session, really useful."
"Both of the trainers were really enthusiastic, they answered all of the questions from our group with advice on actual situations that we had experienced, and the response was measured and thought provoking. In the analysis of situations experienced by us, forethought and how the conflict arose were explored, and very useful advice and tips given. Excellent!"
"Good instruction and insight, very well explained."
"I had not even thought about date rape and how it might happen to me, a bit scary, but really worthwhile. Made me think more about how I should look after myself."
"Brilliant basics, couldn't ask for more in the time frame."
"Very informative, well explained, the Breakaway Techniques worked every time and were easily learned."
"There was a lot to remember, I hope I can put it all into practice - I feel safer just having tried out the techniques - the notes will help."
"Thank you for the training, all of the staff members were impressed, and we will be asking you back to complete Personal Safety Training for new starters and refreshers in due course. We would be happy to recommend you to any others in the Education sector."
"This is so useful. I intend to show some of this stuff to my kids - I think my daughter will be safer understanding what dangers to look for when going out - things like taking a mobile phone photo of the back of a minicab before getting in."
"This will make me rethink how I approach people, and my body language, in future"
Our clients work in diverse areas, however there is one factor that is common to them all - there is a risk of violence from the users of the service or the general public.
We serve clients in Corporate & Industry sectors, National & Local Government, NGO's, Charities, Health Trusts, Education Trusts, Sports Trusts, Academies, Supply Teachers and Lecturers. Training is delivered in a professional, no nonsense manner by accredited trainers with integrity. Our trainers have a background in dealing with verbal and physical confrontation.
Whether working in the community, completing home visits, working alone in an uncontrolled environment or visiting remote sites, staff can be vulnerable when working on their own outside of the office.
Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training deals with the risks of working alone in all areas of employment, and specific advice is given on risk assessment, risk mitigation, and getting into and maintaining good habits. Utilising simple tools and effective strategies to ensure individuals work and travel safe and, should the worst happen, escape and extrication strategies.
This seminar is the most popular among our clients. Breakaway Training can also be added to the training regime where relevant.
Many Social Workers are involved in home visits. This seminar is appropriate to all those in the Social Work arena and is also recommended for Meals On Wheels Personnel, Personal Care staff, Doctors, Nurses, Community Care staff, and Medical Home Delivery workers - in fact any personnel who are Lone Working.
We have provided Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training to National Government Departments and many Local Authorities, equipping staff with additional tools and resources.
Breakaway Training can also be added to the seminar where the risk of physical assault is high, and the Breakaway Training is deemed appropriate.
A recent survey shows that among 447 people living independently, who were placed in care facilities, 42 were involved in 79 different incidents in which the police were called to assist with attacks on staff - many of whom are Lone Workers.
Attacks have been documented by residents and visitors, and the Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training seminar is designed to deal with all aspects of confrontational and aggressive behaviour. Working alone is also extensively covered within this seminar.
Drugs and dementia can affect the behaviour of residents, by learning the signs of aggression, this can often be pre-empted, saving personnel, residents and clients from trauma. Breakaway Training can also be added to the training regime where appropriate.
Linking with Citizenship and Personal Development & Wellbeing seminars, Personal Safety Training for Students is a short seminar specifically designed with secondary school year 10/11, college and university students in mind.
The seminar covers a diverse range of Personal Safety advice and contains specific modules covering prevention and avoidance, personal safety on transport, going out, assertiveness and dealing with aggression, appropriate use of Self Defence. Skills are quickly absorbed and are designed for use in any situation where there is confrontation.
Private, Trust Status and Academy, Vocational / Academic College and University front line educators often suffer abusive and violent behaviour. One third of all teachers in the UK have faced physical aggression from pupils, a survey for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers confirms. Verbal insults and threats had been experienced by 61% of teachers and 34% had been subjected to physical aggression from students, parents and others.
Many teachers and lecturers Lone Work, particularly in the evening.
Staff learn how to predict the possibility of violence, take preventative measures and deal with a violent incident on this Personal Safety Training seminar specifically designed to ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary tools, and can respond appropriately. Physical Intervention techniques, optional for this seminar, are designed to be noninvasive and fast and easy to learn and deploy, bearing in mind the duty of care and the fact that staff may be required to work with the offenders in the future. Lone Worker and Breakaway Training can also be added to the training regime where there is risk of physical confrontation.
Housing Charity staff are vulnerable to many kinds of assault, in particular when visiting people in their homes, flats or rooms in a multi-use facility. Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training provide staff with the knowledge to predict when difficulties may occur, and provide strategies, including withdrawal tactics, and optional Breakaway Techniques should a physical attack occur.
Whether working with young disadvantaged people, those who have suffered abuse, those who have learning difficulties, those who have been released from custody or those who have been forced to take refuge, these seminars can assist and protect staff in difficult and challenging circumstances. Breakaway Training is a standard option to the training.
Community Centres have been the site of acts of aggression. According to the UK Government, workers in this sector are at a significantly increased risk of violent and abusive behaviour.
Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training seminars provide the tools for Community Centre staff to respond to difficult situations with a greater degree of confidence and expertise. There are many situations in which Community Centre staff may have to deal with difficult members of the public - this Seminar will give staff the tools they need to handle such confrontation. Breakaway Training can also be included in the training where there is a risk of physical conflict.
Private health club membership in the UK is around 3.38 million while public leisure centre membership is approximately 2.46 million, making a total of 5.8 million members. Reported incidents involving violence, abuse and threatening behaviour have been rising steadily. Leisure service workers have a high risk of assault with over 107,000 documented cases in 2009.
All staff who interact with the public should understand how to mitigate the risks of assault, how to deal with challenging and difficult behaviour, and Breakaway Training give staff the tools to deal with a situation that has become physically aggressive.
The seminar is designed to give Leisure Industry staff the skills and tools to deal with challenging situations that occur in the workplace.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) states that one third of community nurses working alone have been assaulted or harassed in the last two years. This applies to both the NHS and the Private Sector.
Nurses have to deal with people under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as well as those with mental health issues, Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training can reduce the incidence of violent behaviour. Many nurses now work in the community, and so no longer work in a controlled environment like a hospital or clinic, and in many cases the risks profile is changed and the risk increased.
Nurses who work in a hospital or clinical environment may have to deal with patients and visitors in stressful situations, with emotions often running high, and in many cases where a protagonist may be in the same treatment room. Breakaway Training may also be appropriate.
From minicab & taxi drivers to delivery drivers, from bus, coach & train staff to truck & van drivers, all have been involved in violent incidents varying from minor confrontations to road rage, assault and robbery. By the very nature of the job, most drivers are Lone Workers.
The carriage of high value items and/or carrying cash can be a temptation for the thief. It should be borne in mind that criminals will do whatever is necessary to remain free and are likely to assault anyone who gets in the way. Learn strategies for remaining safe in these circumstances.
Many companies provide our Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training for drivers, as this increases awareness and reduces the incidence of attacks.
Shop workers have been injured, some very seriously, in what have started as seemingly innocuous incidents. Retail workers are particularly vulnerable due to the way they interface with the General Public.
Shop staff have been the subject of attacks by disgruntled customers, troublemakers and shoplifters. Incidents have been recorded in most urban areas of the UK, and out of town shopping centres and retails parks have been identified as increasingly at risk.
Learn how to deal with these situations, and keep the risk of injury low.
Receptionists can be particularly vulnerable due to the constant interface with the general public. Training can assist by improving the individuals confidence in identifying and controlling a potentially violent situation.
Attacks have been recorded in Fast Food Restaurants, Information Desks at Shopping Centres and even at Citizens Advice Bureaux. Staff should be aware of the possibility of confrontational behaviour and know how to deal with a potentially difficult and challenging situation
Any Worker dealing with the general public may be at risk, Personal Safety Training can provide the tools enabling staff to remain safe and secure.
All Public Service Workers with a direct interface with the public are at risk, this is particularly true of those who Lone Work. Almost 2 in 5 workers (38% - Unison 2012), interviewed in a nationwide study, had experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months; more than 10% of workers had experienced physical abuse.
Personal Safety & Lone Worker Training can assist in giving staff the tools to pick up on the signs and signals that may lead to violent behaviour, and strategies to ensure that they act swiftly to ensure their own safety. Breakaway Training can also be added to the training regime where appropriate.
Solicitors and Barristers deal with many aspects of the Law; Criminal, Family, Neighbour Disputes, Business Partnership Breakup and Divorce. Due to the nature of the work, these can result in violence, both between the parties and, as is sometimes the case, against the lawyer too!
Architects, in particular those working outside the office making site visits can also be vulnerable, so training in conflict resolution and dealing with confrontation can be a vital skill to ensure the personal safety of Lone Workers.
The risks to Personal Safety are obvious in some cases, however, an understanding of the signs and symptoms of aggression will help to protect workers.
The importance of taking precautions cannot be stressed enough.
Many fundraisers, whether employees or volunteers, work alone and often handle cash. There is often a requirement to travel to and from pick up points, fundraisers can also be vulnerable in the street, even when signing new donors on Direct Debit. In some cases Fundraisers take cash home, and are responsible for the safety of funds, therefore Personal Safety Training and, if appropriate, Lone Worker Training can help keep those who raise funds safe.
Well trained staff are a great advertisement for any organisation, and the ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations is a skill that can be acquired through a well planned and executed education program.
For members of staff in any organisation, the provision of training enhances the ability to fulfil the role, and therefore increases the confidence. It also shows that the organisation cares about the development, wellbeing and conduct for those who have been placed on a training program.
Clients respond best to well trained, confident staff.
Given the benefits, the question becomes: Can you afford not to train your staff in this important and advantageous area?
For members of staff in any organisation, the provision of training enhances the ability to fulfil the role, and thereby increases both knowledge and confidence.
Is it legal to work alone and is it safe?
Working alone is not in itself against the law and it will often be safe to do so. However, the law requires employers to consider carefully, and then deal with, any health and safety risks for people working alone.
Employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare at work of all their workers. They also have responsibility for the health and safety of any contractors or self-employed people doing work for them.
These responsibilities cannot be transferred to any other person, including those people who work alone.
Workers have responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their work activities and to co-operate with their employers in meeting their legal obligations.
■ A person working alone in a small workshop, petrol station, kiosk or shop
■ People who work from home other than in low-risk, office-type work (separate guidance covers home workers doing low-risk work)
■ People working alone for long periods, e.g. in factories, warehouses, leisure centres or fairgrounds
■ People working on their own outside normal hours, e.g. cleaners and security, maintenance or repair staff
■ Workers involved in construction, maintenance and repair, plant installation and cleaning work
■ Agricultural and forestry workers
■ Service workers, including postal staff, social and medical workers, engineers,
■ Estate agents, and sales or service representatives visiting domestic and commercial premises
Employers have a duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary. This must include:
■ involving workers when considering potential risks and measures to control them;
■ taking steps to ensure risks are removed where possible, or putting in place control measures, e.g. carefully selecting work equipment to ensure the worker is able to perform the required tasks in safety;
■ instruction, training and supervision;
■ reviewing risk assessments periodically or when there has been a significant change in working practice.
■ being aware that some tasks may be too difficult or dangerous to be carried out by an unaccompanied worker;
■ where a lone worker is working at another employer’s workplace, informing that other employer of the risks and the required control measures;
■ when a risk assessment shows it is not possible for the work to be conducted safely by a lone worker, addressing that risk by making arrangements to provide help or back-up.
Risk assessment should help employers decide on the right level of supervision. There are some high-risk activities where at least one other person may need to be present. Examples include:
■ working in a confined space, where a supervisor may need to be present, along with someone dedicated to the rescue role;
■ working at or near exposed live electricity conductors;
■ working in the health and social care sector dealing with unpredictable client behaviour and situations.
Employers who have five or more employees must record the significant findings of all risk assessments.
Employers also need to be aware of any specific law that prohibits lone working applying in their industry. Examples include supervision in diving operations, vehicles carrying explosives and fumigation work.
By law, employers must consult all their employees on health and safety matters.
Effective consultation will also help ensure that relevant hazards are identified, and appropriate and proportionate control measures are chosen.
Lone workers should not be put at more risk than other employees. Establishing a healthy and safe working environment for lone workers can be different from organising the health and safety of other employees. Some of the issues that need special attention when planning safe working arrangements are set out in the following pages, but your risk assessment process should identify the issues relevant to your circumstances.
Employers should take account of normal work and foreseeable emergencies, e.g. fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents. Employers should identify situations where people work alone and consider the following:
■ Does the workplace present a specific risk to the lone worker, for example due to temporary access equipment, such as portable ladders or trestles that one person would have difficulty handling?
■ Is there a safe way in and out for one person, e.g. for a lone person working out of hours where the workplace could be locked up?
■ Is there machinery involved in the work that one person cannot operate safely?
■ Are chemicals or hazardous substances being used that may pose a particular risk to the lone worker?
■ Does the work involve lifting objects too large for one person?
■ Is there a risk of violence and/or aggression?
■ Are there any reasons why the individual might be more vulnerable than others and be particularly at risk if they work alone (for example if they are young, pregnant, disabled or a trainee)?
■ If the lone worker’s first language is not English, are suitable arrangements in place to ensure clear communications, especially in an emergency?
■ If a person has a medical condition, are they able to work alone?
Employers should seek medical advice if necessary. Consider both routine work and foreseeable emergencies that may impose additional physical and mental burdens on an individual.
Training is particularly important where there is limited supervision to control, guide and help in uncertain situations.
Training may also be crucial in enabling people to cope in unexpected circumstances and with potential exposure to violence and aggression.
Lone workers are unable to ask more experienced colleagues for help, so extra training may be appropriate. They need to be sufficiently experienced and fully understand the risks and precautions involved in their work and the location that they work in.
Employers should set the limits to what can and cannot be done while working alone. They should ensure workers are competent to deal with the requirements of the job and are able to recognise when to seek advice from elsewhere.
The extent of supervision required depends on the risks involved and the ability of the lone worker to identify and handle health and safety issues.
The level of supervision needed is a management decision, which should be based on the findings of a risk assessment, i.e. the higher the risk, the greater the level of supervision required. It should not be left to individuals to decide whether they need assistance.
Where a worker is new to a job, undergoing training, doing a job that presents specific risks, or dealing with new situations, it may be advisable for them to be accompanied when they first take up the post.
Procedures must be put in place to monitor lone workers as effective means of communication are essential. These may include:
■ supervisors periodically visiting and observing people working alone;
■ pre-agreed intervals of regular contact between the lone worker and supervisor, using phones, radios or email, bearing in mind the worker’s understanding of English;
■ manually operated or automatic warning devices which trigger if specific signals are not received periodically from the lone worker, e.g. staff security systems;
■ implementing robust system to ensure a lone worker has returned to their base or home once their task is completed.
What happens if a person becomes ill, has an accident, or there is an emergency?
The Employer's assessment of the risks should identify foreseeable events. Emergency procedures should be established and employees trained in them.
Information regarding emergency procedures should be given to lone workers. The Employer's risk assessment may indicate that mobile workers should carry first-aid kits and/or that lone workers need first-aid training. They should also have access to adequate first-aid facilities.
Earl is a BTEC Level 3 Qualified Self Defence Trainer, holds NVQ Level 2 Coaching Qualifications and Personal Safety Trainer Qualification Level 4, and Level 4 Breakaway Trainer Certification.
Earl Walker is a 5th Dan Black Belt in Ju Jitsu and is a Qualified Ju Jitsu Instructor, runs Ju Jitsu Clubs, is an ex boxer, wrestler and Door Supervisor. Earl has run a large number of very successful Lone Worker, Personal Safety Anti-Bullying and Self Defence Seminars.
Earl is available to provide Training personally, should you require.
BTEC Approved Training Centre.
BTEC Level 2 Self Defence Qualifications Available
BTEC Applied Learning Qualifications.
There are many Self-Defence courses and seminars advertised and available. So, how do you select a Course that will actually equip you with some Self-Defence skills?
Firstly let us question the rationale which purports to teach someone complete Self-Defence in 5, 7 or 10 hourly sessions, or perhaps a single day. Is this actually possible? The simple answer is no. This is not to say that the participant will gain nothing from such a course, however, no skill can be truly learned without many hours, often years, of practice. Frankly, unless the participant is willing to practice the techniques and regularly, think and act on the precautionary advice given, there will be little chance that any Self-Defence techniques learned will be available to be used in an actual situation. If that is so, why bother to attend? There is an old saying that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, however in the case of a violent attack, ignorance can be lethal. Being aware of and understanding how, where and why attacks happen, can be the difference between successfully defending yourself and ending up as a victim, and possibly hospitalised.
Next we should look at who would run such a course, and why. The reason why has the simplest answer; to earn money. This should not be a shock to you, if an instructor is willing to give up the time to pass on expert techniques which have often taken years of study to perfect, surely such a person is entitled to profit from these efforts. Provided that profit is not the primary motive and the course is neither a matter of cramming as many willing participants into the training area as it will hold, or showing a few flashy techniques that a beginner has little chance of mastering, then this should be viewed as a positive. It must borne in mind that the instructor is not providing a public service purely out of the kindness of his or her heart. If this is the case, then what kind of person runs such courses?
A wide range of instructors provide self-Defence courses, the majority are run by either Martial Artists, Ex Police, Ex Military, or Security Consultants. The course will differ in content according to the background and experience of the instructor. Where Martial Artists are concerned the course will usually have a bias toward the particular discipline studied, for instance Karate and Tae-kwon-do exponents are likely to concentrate on kicks and strikes, whereas a Judo trained instructor is more likely to focus on throws and grappling. Similarly Ex Police instructors have a tendency toward restraining an attacker and / or escape, whereas an Ex Army instructor would probably be more concerned with incapacitating, often permanently, the opponent. With a profusion of styles and content, what should you look for in a good, basic Self-Defence course?
The criteria for a good Self-Defence course begins with the credentials of the instructor – this can be difficult to establish. The advantage is that most instructors will belong to some organisation, and this can be a good indicator of quality – no genuine organization wants be associated with poor instruction or rip off courses. Check the credentials, and avoid any in which the instructor also head the organisation or association, this is usually an indicator that the instructor has simply formed an organisation over which they have control – not a good sign if there are any issues later. A connection to a National Governing Body will usually ensure that the organisation is reputable. Moving on to the content of the course and the techniques that will be taught, further questions will include: How many participants in each class? What type of facility is utilised? Are mats or safety equipment used? Is insurance for the participants included? Is the instructor alone or assisted? Is the course based around purely physical techniques? Is the Instructor patient and helpful when questioned about qualifications and content? Does the course provide the possibility of a shorter follow up revision course? When discussing the course with the instructor, does this inspire confidence, or do you feel that the course is being sold to you? These are precisely the type of questions a well-qualified and reputable instructor will be happy to answer. In order to illustrate what should be considered before joining a course, an example of an ideal course follows.
The course should also be carefully considered in terms of the suitability; for instance, if the course sought is for a Women’s Self-Defence, and contains striking and locking techniques that an experienced Self-Defence expert might struggle with if under determined attack, then this may not be the best fit. In the case of such a course, the type of technique imparted should require little strength or expertise, enabling the attendee to pick up the technique quickly, and to perform this correctly with a minimum of practice. The key is to ensure that the course is suitable, and able to deliver Self-Defence techniques that match the requirements of each individual participant.
The ideal course probably takes place at the local Sport Centre, Local Council Facility or gym where there are good facilities. The instructor has good credentials, is a good communicator and has lots of patience. During each lesson, which should last at the very least an hour, there are assistants to help with the explanation and performance of the techniques, and to demonstrate. The next thing on our wish list should be a short lecture on various topics relating to Self-Defence. Subjects covered might include such topics as; Avoidance, Prevention, Self-Defence and The Law, Fear and its Effects, The Psychology of the Attacker, using Everyday Items for Self-Defence, using the Voice as a Weapon, using Body Weapons, Safe Travel, Building Self Confidence, Avoiding Confrontations, Body Language, the list of subjects should match your expectations as closely as possible. Each of the lectures should cover the subject adequately, in particular prevention and avoidance; the tenets in Self-Defence should always be Avoid / Prevent / Act /Escape; however it must be realised that in a short lecture only a limited amount of information can be imparted. You should look for a course that suits your requirements and personality, therefore, if you are used to a high level of personal discipline, a course from an ex military professional may be preferred.
Following the lecture an aerobic warm up would be ideal before beginning to learn how to actually defend against an attacker. The techniques should ideally be simple, painful and able to be performed on a person who is physically bigger and stronger than the student. This is where the assistants come in, to help show individuals where and how the techniques work, on a one to one basis. “One Time Finishing” strikes are useless in a Self-Defence situation where novices are involved and attempting these without the required skills may only serve to anger the attacker. It takes many years to be able to reach a level where it is possible to incapacitate an opponent with a single blow and even in these circumstances the success rate may not be high.
There are other means of Self-Defence available; these differ according to the country in which one lives. Personal attack alarms are legal worldwide. It should be noted that any item purchased specifically for Self-Defence is only worthwhile if it is to hand - an attack alarm at the bottom of a handbag is not going to be of help in an assault situation – by the time it is deployed, the attack could have been carried out! In the U.K. it is illegal to carry any item which can be used as a weapon, specifically for Self-Defence purposes, but many everyday items may be turned to the purpose of defending one's self, should the need arise. Some of the better known are; perfume spray (into the eyes), a fold up umbrella (to block and strike), the handbag itself (to strike), pen (to stab and gouge), door or car keys (to strike and scratch). There are many other alternatives and of course any item, which can be thrown, may be used to keep an attacker at bay. Provided that the items utilised are not carried specifically for self-defence purposes, they are quite legal to employ in a situation where you may be required to defend yourself, another person or your property.
It should be clear that the best way to avoid an attack is not to allow yourself to get into the situation in the first place. Sensible precautions can, in most cases, greatly reduce the probability of an attack. Despite the sensationalist reporting which accompanies such attacks, few are committed in broad daylight in crowded public areas. Almost all attackers prefer the cover of darkness and to be away from interference when their sinister deed is carried out. You can also prepare for those times when you have no choice but to walk down a dark, quiet street, or traverse a subway. Preparation and visualisation are important elements in avoiding and dealing with attacks. With thorough forethought and planning you can ensure your own safety by dramatically reducing the risks.
What about the actual confrontation? Here it is important to remain calm, think, think again and act. The assessment phase is used to weigh up the reasons for the attack, the dangers that are presented, and to formulate a response. The assailant’s motive could be robbery, sexual assault, substance abuse fuelled rage or simply an act of mindless violence.
These different attacks require quite different, but appropriate responses. If robbery is the motive, is violence likely to follow? Are the money and credit cards that you carry worth the additional risk of violence? Only the individual in this high-pressure situation can formulate a response to these questions. For instance, making a decision to give up your cash and cards and escape unharmed is an option that can be planned for and responded to quickly.
Whilst it is clear that there is much you can do to reduce the risk of attack, such a situation may still arise. Under these circumstances you must be prepared to do what is necessary to ensure escape. Whatever your moral viewpoint with regard to violence, if all else fails, inflicting damage upon an attacker may be the only alternative. Be absolutely convinced that an assailant who has intent to injure you will not be put off by any moral argument or plea for mercy. There can only be one attitude to adopt when attacked, this is to escape at all costs, even if this means severely hurting the attacker in the process. You also have to accept that there is a good probability of being hurt yourself. In a violent assault, research clearly shows that the predator often has a need to dominate the victim through the use of violence. The key word here is victim: if you fight back effectively, you may not be viewed as a victim by the assailant and this will often trigger a withdrawal - and a search for easier prey.
Lone Worker are vulnerable whenever working alone, whether in the office, in a retail outlet, attending a site or visiting a client or service user. The employer has a duty to ensure Lone Workers are protected, and trained to deal with situations where the Lone Worker may be at risk. Much of our business comes from organisations that have identified the risks after an incident has occurred. The HSE recommend that all workers are trained to deal with risks associated with the job - this is especially important in the case of Lone Workers.
Whether or not there is a technological solution available for Lone Workers, this does not obviate the employer from providing adequate and appropriate training for Lone Workers. However, those who respond to Lone Working emergencies or incidents have to be trained on how to deal with these stressful situations. The correct decision by management or responders, timely and relevant, is as important as the direct reaction to an episode by the Lone Worker. An appropriate response from the team and management can prevent a confrontation deteriorating into a physical assault.
Our trainers have all worked in organisations where confrontation, the threat of physical violence and behavioural issues is a risk factor. The training content is based on real life experience, and the scenarios that are used for Lone Worker Training Courses are apt, relate directly to the type of risk likely to be experienced.
The Employer's Responsibilities
The first stage of training is characterised as getting to know one another. This stage is where we discuss and agree with the client the overall aim of the training, the training program, and basic content. The client is requested to supply the information as detailed at the bottom of this page.
From the information gathered, we assemble each Personal Safety and Lone Working seminar with professional course materials gathered over many years of experience, agree presentation content, and customise effective, practical and cogent content to fit the job descriptions supplied. Managers often benefit from attending, either alongside the staff, or on a separate seminar, and we encourage attendance from line and senior management.
The process is designed to be client led in terms of the outcome of the seminar, the aim being to impart knowledge, encourage dynamic thinking about risk mitigation and promote the sharing of common issues. The process is designed to improve performance through understanding and reducing the incidence of unconscious risk taking, confrontation and fear in the working environment. This has a carry over into the Life Skills of the delegates, results in increased benefits for the individual, which last a lifetime.
The seminars are designed to provide valid tools to prevent and resolve conflict, promote post-conflict stability, build collaborative capacity, develop intellectual capital using a dependable toolset.
Training is the most cost effective way to ensure the safety of both front line staff and service users/clients.
Personal-Safety-Training has been providing Personal Safety Training Courses since 1987 and Lone Worker Training Courses and Refresher Seminars since 1992. We have had vast experience in training individuals in looking after themselves in stressful situation, in particular when working alone.
Experience in Conflict Management - Our trainers have experience in the field - not simply trainers who have added Lone Working to a suite of training courses they present
Effective Training - thousands of hours in the training environment allow us to home in on the issues that affect YOUR staff
Bespoke Training - Each Training Course & Seminar is designed for the specific requirements of the organisation
Qualified Staff - Our trainers are vetted, have DBS (CRB) checks, and are all qualified Self Defence and Conflict Resolution Qualifications
Specialised Subject Knowledge - Our trainers have a deep understanding of the types of situation one is likely to meet - and the methodology to deal with them - they are able to answer delegate questions succinctly and with confidence
Duty of Care - Delegates are encouraged to focus on the duty of care owed to them by the organisation (and how this is being deliver through the training), the duty of care to other staff members and, of course, to the client / service user
Practical Physical Intervention Skills - Our trainers are well versed in dealing with physical threats and confrontations, the skills they have are practical and learned over a long period of time
Engaging, Interesting Presentations - We train our trainers to work with the delegates, to ask question, rather than simply present and to engage with every individual delegate who attends
Professionally Delivered - We test our training, trainers performance and delivery
Certificated Training - Learning Outcomes assessed, Attendee and commissioning organisation Feedback is a requirement, Certificates of Training issued to both staff and organisation
Reduces risk to workers
Increases individual self confidence and self belief
Client / Service User benefits
Full day training with scenario based workshops
Aids worker and organisational performance
Supplements Health & Safety Training
Complies with HSE Legislation
Augments Continual Personal Development
A well trained workforce is an asset to the organisation
Helps reduce staff turnover
Reduces compensation claims
Assists with recruitment
Enhanced DBS (CRB)
CPD Qualified Trainer
Safeguarding Children Level 2
First Aid at Work
BTEC Self Defence Trainer - Level 3
Minimum 5 years experience in Personal Safety
Head Trainer Earl Walker has the following experience and qualifications :
Teaching Personal Safety, Restraint & Self Defence since 1992
14 years as Doorman and Personal Security Expert
26 years teaching Ju Jitsu
22 years teaching Self Defence & Personal Security
12 years Amateur Freestyle Wrestling
14 years Amateur Boxing
NVQ Trainer - Level 5
BTEC Self Defence Trainer - Level 3
Ju Jitsu Instructor - Level 4
5th Dan Ju Jitsu Black Belt
NVQ Delivering Training - Level 4
Management Skills - Level 4
Train the Trainer - Level 2
Sports Leadership - Level 2
Conflict Resolution & Management
Trainer
Community Sports Leadership - Level 2
Safeguarding Children Level 2
First Aid at Work
Enhanced DBS (CRB)
CPD Qualified Trainer
18 years experience in Care Industry
Approved Training Organisation for Local Government
Approved Trainer for Major Charities
Approved Trainer for Housing Associations
Approved Trainer for Local Education Authority Training in Schools
Approved Trainer for The Law Volunteer Network
awaiting new ISP