Consider carrying out your own dynamic assessment of risk before undertaking any work activity. This should include, as a basic minimum, consideration of the following:

1. Do you know where your work location is?
2. Is there a generic assessment for the task?
3. Do you have the protective equipment you may need?
4. Do you require specialist equipment?
5. Are there any specific controls for the task?
6. Does someone know the location you are going to?
7. Do you have a means of communicating with that person or others?
8. Have you booked out and informed your control of any time restrictions?
9. Have you informed your control of when you are expected back?
10. Do you know what to do should if an accident/incident occurs?
11. Have you vetted the person you are going to meet?
12. Has the situation changed from previous occasions?

On arrival at the Work site

1. Can you park safely – is signing-in required?
2. Are there any mandatory requirements for the site?
3. Is the access to and from the site safe?
4. Are there suspicious persons in the near vicinity?

Safety When Approaching or Opening the Workplace

1. When approaching the workplace, be alert. If you see a broken window, signs of forced entry or insecure door, assume that someone is on the premises. Go to a safe place and telephone the police immediately. Inform your line manager if necessary.
2. In the above circumstances, do not go into the workplace to use the telephone.

Safety When Leaving or Closing the Workplace

1. Look outside to check that no-one is acting suspiciously or inappropriately. If you see someone prowling or lurking outside do not go out alone to check. Stay inside and telephone the police.
2. If you are usually collected by car, wait until it arrives before going out. Similarly, if you are travelling by public transport, do not leave the workplace so early that you have to wait a long time for the bus or train.
3. Check the premises are secure before you leave.

Practical Points in Dealing with Possible Conflict Situations during a Visit to a Service User’s/Client’s Home

1. Park your car so that it can be driven away easily.
2. Park in a well lit area near other vehicles if possible.

1. Stay alert when approaching the property, look around the garden for obvious dangers such as dogs/prowlers etc.
2. After knocking/ringing, stand back and to the side of the door.
3. If you have to look through a letter box, do not look directly in; try to observe from the side.
4. Do not stand on the edge of the steps.
5. Be careful of milk bottles/dustbins/lids or other potential weapons.
6. Ask for any dogs or other pets to be secured where appropriate.
7. Note the way in and out, type of catch/lock on the door and how to operate it.
8. Assess the situation and mood of Service User/Client.
9. If in any doubt or you feel threatened do not enter, make an excuse and leave.
10. Note any other people in the property and their mood.
11. Only sit down when the Service User/Client does.
12. Where possible, sit in an upright chair (easier to stand up from and/or use as defensive barrier). If you have to sit in an armchair or settee, sit on the edge near the arm, this will allow you to stand up more easily.
13. Keep the exit door on your side of the room.
14. Note any objects/items that could be used as a weapon.
15. If the situation changes and you feel threatened, make an excuse and leave.
16. Back out rather than turning your back on the Service User/Client.
17. Try to leave with dignity – it may help any future dealings with the Service User/Client.
18. If you are unable to leave, and the situation warrants, it may be necessary to take further action such as:-
    1. Set off your personal attack alarm or scream/shout to attract the attention of others – this may distract the Service User/Client long enough to allow you to escape.
    2. If physically threatened, try to use a barrier such as a table/chair (not as a weapon, but as a defensive measure).

Safety in the Car or Other Vehicle

1. Always lock your vehicle when entering and leaving it.
2. Plan your route.
3. Check you have not left your lights on when leaving your vehicle.
4. Do not leave valuables, briefcase/paperwork etc. on display in vehicle.
5. Have your van/car keys in your hand so you can get straight into the vehicle.
6. Look around your vehicle as you approach in case someone is crouching down.
7. Look inside before entering your vehicle to ensure no one is hiding there – even if the doors were locked – use a torch if necessary.
8. When driving, consider locking all doors except for the driver’s door (where possible). In this way, if an accident occurs, you can be rescued, but if you feel threatened by a situation you can quickly lock your door.
9. If you are followed in your vehicle do not get out, ensure that it is locked, flash your lights and sound the horn to attract attention.
10. Try not to park in dark, deserted streets or car parks. Whenever possible, make your car/van a social creature (safety in numbers).
11. Consider not driving nose first into a parking space, reverse in so you can be ready to leave quickly if necessary
12. If you must use a multi-storey car park, try to park on the ground floor as stairs and lifts can be dangerous places. Have the correct change ready for the machine.  Remember you can always drive your car right up to the ticket machine to get your exit ticket.
13. Don’t linger longer than necessary and keep alert at all times.
14. Always carry a torch with you.
15. If in difficulty and a stranger offers to help, do not get out of your vehicle – ask the person to phone for help. (The safest way to help a stranded motorist is to stop at the next telephone and call for help).
16. If possible always travel on busy roads, avoid isolated areas.
17. Be careful if someone flags you down on a quiet road. Make sure it is a genuine emergency before you wind down the window or unlock your door. If you are in any doubt, drive on and call the police.
18. If you have been requested to stop by someone pretending to be a police officer and you have any doubts about them, i.e. they are in plain clothes; ask to see their warrant card before you open the window or door.
19. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel for the journey.
20. Join a motoring/breakdown organisation such as Green Flag, the AA or RAC.

Safety in the Street

1. Do not wear your identification badge when walking in the street.
2. Be alert, walk with purpose and confidence.
3. Avoid short cuts through unlit or deserted areas such as alleys or waste ground.
4. Do not overload yourself with packages or bags.
5. Walk near to the kerb edge and away from buildings and alleys so that someone lurking in an alley has further to come to reach you.
6. Whenever possible, do not walk alone.
7. Walk facing the traffic so that a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
8. When walking along a street you may feel that someone is pursuing you on foot. Try crossing the road to confirm your suspicions. If you are still being followed then make your way to the closest place where people are likely to be, e.g. a pub, launderette or house with lights on. As soon as you can, telephone the police from a safe place.
9. Kerb-crawlers: don’t take notice – ignore them, continue walking briskly. If persistent, make a mental note of the car registration number, turn and walk briskly in the opposite direction. (It is more difficult for the kerb-crawler to reverse). If someone approaches for directions, don’t let them get too close. Keep your distance!
10. Do keep your handbag/briefcase close to your body. If someone makes a grab for your bag, it is better to let it go rather than risk injury. Your personal safety is more important than your handbag or other belongings.
11. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide it up and put some in your pocket or other parts of your clothing and some in your bag.
12. Cheque books and cards should be kept separate.
13. Do not carry your keys in your handbag – put them in your pocket.
14. Avoid wearing jewelry. Ensure your mobile or lone working device is easily accessible. Do not use your mobile phone on the street except in an emergency!
15. Carry a personal attack alarm and now how to use it.  Make sure before you leave that the batteries are working

Safety in Reception/Interview Areas

1. When dealing with a Service User/Client, remember, what may appear to be a trivial matter to you may be perceived by them as a real crisis.
2. They will be looking to you for help, assistance, advice etc., therefore try to be sympathetic, respect their feelings and show concern, it may help prevent a potentially violent situation from developing.
3. Try not to keep people waiting for lengthy periods of time – if this is unavoidable, keep them informed of what is happening – ignoring them (even by accident), could lead to an escalation of the situation.
4. Interview room doors should be fitted with an appropriate window, so other employees can observe in cases of emergency.
5. An “Alarm System” should be provided, with agreed procedures in place, and all employees should know what to do when the alarm sounds.
6. The use of a “Code Word”, which can be used to warn managers and colleagues that a situation is escalating, could be the signal for support to be provided without alerting the Service User/Client.
7. Seating arrangements should be such that employees are positioned near a door – this would allow a quick escape route in an emergency.
8. The provision of suitable toys for children to play with will help relieve their boredom and hopefully reduce tension while Service Users/Clients are waiting to be seen.
9. Careful selection of furniture and fittings is essential; consideration should be given as to their potential to be used as a weapon against employees or other people.

To Reduce the Risk of Provocation

1. Introduce yourself politely.
2. Express clearly and concisely your reasons for being there and any actions you are taking.
3. Avoid criticism of the person you’re talking to.
4. Avoid unfriendly gestures.
5. Leave yourself an alternative course of action.
6. Show no fear/apprehension.
7. Stay calm.
8. Show sympathy (even if false).
9. Keep talking (active listening – don’t look bored or look away). – remain engaged in conversation with the person. – use the ‘broken record’ technique i.e. repetition of key statements.