PROTECTING YOUR KEY ASSETS - STAFF
The Home Office ‘Crime Against Retail and Manufacturing Premises Survey 2002’ indicates that retailers open for long hours were more likely to be the victim of violent crime, with over 30% of premises reporting one or more incidents or assaults, threats or intimidation.
It is not only retailers who serve the public who are open to assaults or threats. Nearly 20% of manufacturing premises also report this nature of crime against their staff.
The British Crime Survey estimates that 3.3 million work hours are lost due to violence at work.
The British Crime Survey also suggests that 1 in 17 workers who have some form of contact with the public are very or fairly worried about being threatened, whilst 1 in 14 are very or fairly worried about being physically assaulted.
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992/9
Under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992/9, employers must assess and mitigate risks to the health and safety of their staff.
The Health & Safety Executive defines violence at work as “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relation to work.”
The ever present risk of firearm attack, physical or verbal abuse makes the protection of staff at the public interface an essential obligation. Protection against the risk of psychological injury is equally important. This duty to protect staff can lead to a criminal offence for an employer to neglect known risks.
One solution to the protection of staff, and valuable documents they may be handling, including cash, are security screens. Although there are some perceptions that security screens can affect the relationship between the customer and the organisation, this balance has to be weighed up to the risk levels and requirement to protect staff, cash and other assets within the premises.
A well designed security screen can make a huge difference, in both customer and staff perceptions, on the security and customer care of an organisation.
Security Level
Different designs of security screens offer differing levels of security. Assess the risk level and decide on staff protection levels to integrate into the screen design.
Active or Passive Security
Security screens offer a passive method of security, which is permanently installed within the public area.
Customer Care Implications
Security screens may be perceived as aggressive towards customers, however, the right design can allow for an attractive trading environment with natural speech transfer and good levels of customer care.
Staff Confidence
Staff may feel more confident in dealing with the public, with the added protection, but the design needs to ensure they do not feel isolated behind the screen.
Disability Discrimination Act Compliance
Ensure the security screen design does not hinder the passing of goods, documents or cash over the counter and that the natural voice transfer for communication is clear. This may require speech enhancement units.
Cost
Costs vary depending on design. However, an organisation should review the cost in terms of customer care and staff safety, which can be significantly greater.
For further information or advice on security screens offered by J Durrance & Co, contact the Sales Team on 0800 018 5387 or email |
