|
The Health & Safety Executive define violence at work as, "Any incident, in which an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work" including:
Physical Violence
- Any assault involving injury
- Sexual assault or unwanted physical contact
- Minor assault including pushing, holding or spitting
Non physical violence (either face to face or via the telephone)
- Verbal abuse including those of a sexist or racist nature and threats of physical violence
- Threatening postures and gestures
- Threatening use of animals
If you are visiting a customer's premises and you receive verbal or physical abuse or threats with animals you should make every effort to leave safely and inform your line manager so that the customer records can be amended.
Being aware of the possibility of danger in any situation will assist in ensuring safety is at the forefront of our minds.
Dealing with aggression: -.
- If you think you are in danger - leave by a safe route and get help immediately.
- If you feel uncomfortable going into some situations because of fear of violence then let your line manager know.
- Remember your first duty is to yourself.
- Keep your distance at all times
- Never put a hand on someone especially if they are angry.
- A person on the brink of physical aggression has three choices: to attack, retreat or compromise. You need to guide them towards the second or third option
Should you be suddenly faced with an imminent threat of violence you are entitled to use such force as is "reasonably necessary" in the circumstances. The aim of using force should be to create a window of opportunity for escape for ourselves and/or our colleagues.
Reporting Incidents of Violence at Work For BT Employees / Contractors
All incidents of violence at work must be reported to the Accident/Incident Reporting Group (A/IRG) Tel: 0800 671345
BT Line managers must ensure that every case is reported.
ISIS SFY/LAP/A029 refers.
|
