Practical guidance for employees

1.1          Planning

BC has worked closely with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust which is a leading national charity for Personal Safety.  Their philosophy is to plan to avoid, always leave enough time to think of everything and put safety measures in place.

P – prepare:

If you are working away from base, consider the following:

• Have you got all the information you need before you leave?
• Have you done your own risk assessment? See appendix 3 for the Personal Risk Factor Checklist.
• What do you know about the place you are going to?
• Have you told anyone where you are going and left a contact number and estimated time of return?
• Have you got all the right equipment you need?
• Are you carrying unnecessary equipment or personal belongings?
• Do you know how to summon help?
• Are you working within the safety procedures relevant for this working activity?
• Would someone raise the alarm if you did not return when you were supposed to?

If you are working at base (office, school, centre etc.):

• Have you checked the working environment for any personal safety hazards?
• Do you know how to summon help?
• Are you working within the safety procedures relevant to this working activity?
• Do people know where you are in the building and what you are doing?

L – look confident

• Blow out then take a big breath which will clear the brain and improve your posture
• Release tension in facial, upper body and upper limb muscles
• Take a moment to decide how you are going to deal with the situation

A – avoid risk

• Be aware of your responsibilities as laid down in this policy
• Follow any relevant safety procedures and safe systems of working
• Use the Personal Risk Factor Checklist – see appendix 3

N – never assume

• It won’t happen to you

Training is available for all ‘at risk’ employees so ensure you attend, including regular refreshers.  See 2.5 Training section above.

1.2          Home/Site Visits

Is a home/site visit absolutely necessary?

• Before carrying out the visit you may decide to carry out a preliminary visit, possibly with a colleague, to identify any possible hazards.
• Are there any circumstances of which you should be aware?
• Would a meeting on neutral ground be more appropriate?
• Should you go with a colleague?
• Are you familiar with the area and location?
• Does the location pose any particular risk for example country lane, block of flats, high crime area etc?
• Can the visit be made during the working day?

Every time you carry out a visit

You Should:

• Know where you are going and how to safely get there. Be aware of safe parking areas at your destination, especially after dark.
• Know the history/background of the person(s)/business you are visiting. This may include consulting your Service’s database/register of contacts.
• Discuss any concerns you may have with your manager.
• Have the means to raise the alarm, such as a personal alarm or a mobile phone or safety system.
• Tell your manager/colleagues where you are and when and to where you will return.
• Know where you are going, how people can contact you, or, how you will contact them.
• If you have a lone worker device, make sure it’s working and tested.
• Know the time you expect to arrive at your destination and when you expect to be back in the workplace.
• Let the appropriate person know if you change your schedule or have been delayed.
• Regularly review working practices

It is useful to compare work practices with that of another Service, team or local authority as they may have developed alternative approaches to problems based on past incidents and perception of the risk or have assessed the risk differently.

1.3          Visiting Clients/Parents/Children in Their Homes

• Whenever possible, avoid visits out of office hours.
• Only take with you what you need for the meeting. Do not take papers which you do not wish to be seen by the client.
• Use the Personal Risk Factor Checklist – see appendix 3
• Take care to park your car in a spot that you can drive out of easily without too much manoeuvring.
• Do not enter a house or premises if the person you are visiting is not there and you do not know the person inviting you inside.
• If there are any signs of aggression at the front door leave straight away and offer to meet another time.
• Prepare an excuse to leave before you go inside, for example ‘I just need to get something from the car’.
• Remember you are entering someone else’s territory, acknowledge it is their home and wait to be asked in, invited to sit etc.
• If possible, get the person to lead the way so you shut the front door and can familiarise yourself with the latch.
• Avoid actions which may appear aggressive or an invasion of privacy.
• Do not stand too close to the person you are visiting.
• Familiarise yourself with the surroundings in case you need to leave quickly.
• If you sit down, try to choose a chair closest to the door, preferably a hard chair rather than a soft low sofa.
• Avoid reacting to the surroundings if they are unpleasant.
• If you feel threatened by dogs etc. ask politely if they can be moved.
• Be aware of changes in mood, expression etc. and be prepared to react if you feel threatened.
• Remember your own body language could trigger a potentially threatening reaction.
• Tell your manager if you feel that he/she or other colleagues in the Council should be aware of any points which arose during the meeting.
• Remember to share concerns.

1.4          Lone Working in Buildings or Isolated Surroundings

• Is it necessary to work alone (after hours or at weekends)? This must be discussed with your manager and be the subject of a risk assessment.
• Does there need to be a regular calling in procedure?
• Are there tell tale signs that you are alone on the premises for example single light left on?
• Is there a phone or some other means of communication (not behind a locked door) that can be used to summon assistance? Does your mobile phone have the right numbers programmed in?
• Are the premises safely secured whilst you are alone inside (but not so secure you can’t get out in an emergency)?
• Is your car parked prominently and close to the door?
• Does someone else know your estimated time of reaching home for example wife, husband, partner, buddy?
• Do you need a torch with you?
• How much luggage will you have with you when you leave, for example will you have one hand free?

1.5          Community Safety

Many of our Services and schools form part of a community which can from time to time, suffer from problems with unruly groups of youths or vandalism.  It is likely that others in the community are experiencing the same problems, so it is therefore important to tackle these problems as a community and not alone.  For example, the library, youth centre, school, local shops, village halls, community centres, district and parish councils could elect representatives and meet with the local Police Community Support Officer who can take the lead and co-ordinate a local strategy. 

1.6          Stalking

Legislation relating to stalking is The Stalking Protection Act 2019 and Harassment Act 1997.

Stalking can be an unexpected development in a relationship or from a client or complete stranger.  It is important not to engage with your stalker and to deal with it as soon as possible.  Remember to save any messages received and keep records of dates and times.  Always report to the police how ever trivial it may seem, who will advise a course of action.  If it is affecting you in your place of work or on your journey to work, you should inform your line manager who may be able to adjust working patterns or arrange a buddy system.  You should also tell your manager about any unwanted attention from a client or colleague.  If your manager is unsure what to do or for any reason you do not wish to confide in your manager, contact the Health and Safety Team who will be able to provide advice.  There is very good information and a helpline on the Suzy Lamplugh website on stalking and harassment with links to other dedicated organisations.

1.7          Safety Tips

Always remember to remove or cover your name badge when you leave the building or finish work.

Visit the Suzy Lamplugh website for personal safety advice on work and non-work related situations including car journeys and parking, using public transport, cash handling, internet safety choosing an alarm, and much more.   

Remember there is training available that can be tailored to your needs.