Briefcas EMPLOYMENT
Assessing risk
Physical attacks on a person are obviously dangerous , but verbal abuse can also be detrimental to health by causing anxiety and stress .
It is good practice for an employer to risk-assess all potential hazards in the workplace , and this should include potential risks from clients . Specific control measures might be required for employees particularly at risk , such as lone workers , staff leaving late at night and those making home visits .
It ' s also good practice for the employer to consult with staff when writing risk assessments as their input can be invaluable .
Employee responses
An employee who has been exposed to risk of injury that is foreseeable , and who was not protected from that risk , may be able to make a claim for compensation .
If you ' re assaulted at work , try to undertake the following steps immediately after the incident :
• Take photos of any injuries and the location where the assault occurred .
• If able , write down key information while it is fresh in your mind . Obtain the contact details of any witnesses or ask a colleague to do so .
• Go to a quiet , private area at work with a supportive colleague or go home .
• Promptly obtain any medical attention you need . If you go to hospital , take someone with you and try to get a medical report of any injuries .
Ideally , you will never be affected by work-related violence but it ' s important to recognise the potential risks and the appropriate actions that need to be taken in response .
Making home visits in pairs can help to reduce risk .
Management responsibilities
If an incident of violence or aggression towards staff in the workplace is reported , practice management should follow it up promptly and investigate fully . Steps should be taken to prevent reoccurrence . Staff who have been affected by an incident ( or who have observed an incident ) can be traumatised and are likely to need support .
All serious incidents should be reported to the police . This is particularly important if a claim for compensation is to be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority ( CICA ). The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government-funded scheme that compensates victims of violent crime . The CICA decides all claims and administers the scheme .
Failure by management to respond to a reported incident of violence or aggression could lead to them being held responsible for an injury at work , should one occur .
If , for example , a client is verbally threatening or abusive , taking positive action and reporting it to management can prevent potential escalation to physical assault . Staff also have a responsibility not to incite or increase the likelihood of violence .
Reducing risk
The configuration of the working environment ( e . g . seating , lighting , decor , security and raised counters ) can help reduce risk .
Safe cash-handling processes can also be beneficial , such as minimising cash held on the premises and varying the times and routes of trips to the bank .
Arranging for staff to make home visits in pairs , and establishing agreed contact times and methods for staff working away from the practice are also helpful .
Consider putting in place precautions for staff working late , such as confirming they have a safe means of transport home and ensuring the practice exterior and parking areas are well lit .
All workplaces are different so it ' s important to carry out your own assessment of the risks applicable to your practice and the individual employees within it .
For advice about this or any other employment matter , please contact advisoryservice @ bvna . co . uk
Volume 37 ( 4 ) • September 2022
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