ACS would like to remind all retailers about the guidance available on our website, which outlines the different ways you can increase workplace safety.
The below guidance has been developed with The Suzy Lamplugh Trust as part of 'Suzy's Charter for Workplace Safety'. ACS and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust have collaborated to focus the Charter on key areas specifically relevant to the convenience sector.
Communications and Training
Retailers should ensure that both staff and customers are aware that violence and abuse will not be tolerated and encourage all staff to speak openly and regularly with management about their experiences to identify new risks. All staff should be trained in recognising the triggers for violence and abuse, as well as safe challenge practices.
Reporting and supporting
There should be clear policy for reporting abuse by customers to management and police, with easy access to reporting tools for all employees. You can check your local police force website for a single point of contact for businesses and access online reporting options. In the result of an emergency, always call 999 and explain the situation quickly and clearly. Any reports should include an incident follow-up with staff to ensure wellbeing and wider risk for mitigation, as well as signposting to support services where required such as GroceryAid. Consider providing personal safety alarms to staff.
Risk assessments
Risk assessments should be carried out regularly to ensure compliance with legislation and HSE guidance. Consider risks specific to all staff who work alone for any part of their job, including outside of the store. Risk assessments should include the impact of stress and mental health implications of violence and aggression connected to work. All staff should be consulted on these assessments with opportunities to give feedback regularly on content. The Health and Safety Executive website provides a template for you to complete a risk assessment and an example risk assessment for a convenience store.
Lone working
Managers should be aware of staff whereabouts and ensure that the staff rota is documented to provide a record of who is always on-site. You can implement a buddy or tracing system to ensure the safety of lone workers, as well as provide headsets or walkie talkies to monitor safety and communicate with staff. You should have a clear procedure to follow if a colleague does not return or check in when expected. Make sure to keep staff and emergency contact details up to date and implement a system for staff to covertly raise the alarm and alert colleagues in emergencies.
You can download a PDF version of the ACS guidance here.
ACS is co-ordinating the #ShopKind campaign to help prevent violence and abuse towards shopworkers. All retailers can get involved with ShopKind by visiting www.nbcc.police.uk for marketing materials.
