Eliminating Risk – Reality or an Aspiration?

Can we eliminate all risk(s) associated with workplace violence and aggression? During the past year workplace violence continues to be a significant issue for employees across the UK with: Thousands of retail workers reporting incidents of violence and abuse. 32 ambulance staff being abused or attacked daily Civil enforcement officers facing increased challenges Workplace violence, is defined as ‘any incident … Read more

Personal Entertainment v Personal Safety?

In an era where technology is intertwined with daily life, headphones and earphones have become daily accessories. 24+ per cent of people choose to wear headphones for a significant portion of their day. They provide an immersive experience for music, podcasts, and phone calls, serving as both entertainment and a buffer against the outside world. However, this convenience comes with … Read more

Diagnosis or Phenomenon…You Decide?

My first recollection of being knowingly introduced to this subject was around 2001 watching a video regarding the subject of Excited Delirium. Back then the heading of cocaine induced psychosis and the disproportionate superhuman strength it gave to people was one of the non-clinical terms used. This I felt had the unfortunate bias of implying if people displayed the behaviours … Read more

Who’s In Your Speed Dial Telephone Numbers?

Subject to which survey you read, there are: Between 123 and 205 daily assaults on lone workers Between 44,850 and 74,750 attacks on lone workers per year, and Between 159 and 266 daily instances of verbal abuse on staff Working remotely offers flexibility and freedom, but it also presents unique challenges, especially in emergency situations. Whether you’re working from a … Read more

Safeguarding Schools across the Scottish Borders and Beyond

Whilst UNISON survey exposes ‘shocking’ levels of violence in Borders schools, are things any different in your area? 85 per cent of respondents reported experiencing/witnessing slapping or punching – that figure rose to 88 per cent regarding kicking incidents. More than 55 per cent of respondents said they experienced violence multiple times a week. In recent months, the Scottish Borders … Read more

Preventing Violence to Shopworkers Today and Everyday

Violence against shop workers is a pervasive issue. According to a survey conducted by the British Retail Consortium, there were around 455 incidents of violence or abuse towards retail staff each day in the UK. That means there are over 160,000+ reported incidents per year, that’s before we start thinking about the un-reported incidents. Why are some (lots according to … Read more

Workplace Safety – Whose Responsibility?

In today’s dynamic and hectic work environments, ensuring the health and safety of employees must be of paramount importance for employers. The Health & Safety Executive previously produced data in 2020 that outlined the prevalence of aggression and violence affecting businesses and workforces across the UK. Approximately 688,000 incidents of aggression and violence were reported in the workplace in England … Read more

Moving people up and down stairs under restraint

A Guide to Managing Risk on Stairs No one should be moved up or down stairs if they are violent or if you reasonably foresee that they might become violent during the process. Moving a person up or down a flight of stairs can be a challenging and potentially risky procedure. Whether you are a care provider, security personnel, or … Read more

The Changing Landscape of Police Response and How Selecting The Right Physical Intervention System is Paramount

This is an image showing Rab from NFPS Ltd and the text is there to highlight a change in police methods and how physical intervention training is becoming ever more important

In recent times, there has been a shift in how police services respond to calls for assistance from NHS Mental Health Units. Many of you will have heard of the ‘Right Care Right Person’ (RCRP) operational model developed by Humberside Police. In a letter sent to leaders of London health and social care providers on 24th May 2023, Commissioner Sir Mark … Read more