Safety in the workplace
Thousands of people attend work on a daily basis and never experience any situation where their personal safety is threatened or tested. Whilst a workplace under reasonable management may provide a reasonable level of protection, situations that affect personal safety may still arise.
As a frontline service staff member you will have numerous encounters with various people throughout the working day. For the best part, these encounters will be a pleasant experience, or at the very least ‘non-threatening’…however…it should never be under estimated that at any time you may be thrust into a situation where the offender is displaying behaviors that may make you feel threatened, or in the worst case scenario… they may attempt to, or harm you physically.
Employers have a responsibility under the Health and Safety in Employment Act to have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all employees are provided with a safe and secure working environment. As part of this process the introduction of a training programme such as this will give you some skills and techniques for dealing with abusive or aggressive customers and will enable you to develop new skills to diffuse potentially risky situations.
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
The Act promotes health and safety management in the workplace and focuses on the prevention of harm to employees at work. It covers a comprehensive range in workplace types in both the state and private sector.
The primary responsibility for health and safety is placed on the employer to provide an appropriate safe work environment. Employer responsibilities include hazard identification and control, providing information, training and supervision, and accident reporting.
By attending this training course as directed by your employer, they are demonstrating that they are keeping in line with their health and safety responsibilities and providing you with the required knowledge and skill to keep your self safe when confronted with a challenging situation.
Violence in the workplace
Violence is a hazard encountered in a variety of places of work. It can occur suddenly, without notice or provocation. It may cause mental and physical pain and suffering and may result in permanent disability or even death.
It is important for employers to recognise that violence is a hazard associated with many occupations and to take all practicable steps to protect employees and others from violent incidents which may result in injury or harm to health.