The Suzy Lamplugh Trust takes up a recent survey by the TUC of 5000 safety reps revealed that violent assaults and threats are the fasting growing health and safety concern in the workplace.
Every year thousands of people, across a range of public and private sector organisations, encounter some form of violence in the workplace. Fear of harm from others, be it psychological, emotional or physical, can have serious consequences for staff and employers. These can include reduced productivity; high stress levels; time off work, low morale, recruitment difficulties and even lawsuits. (Organisations have a legal responsibility to try to prevent incidents of violence and aggression as stated in the Health & Safety Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.)
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust say they have never been in greater demand and have recently announced that 1000 people have now completed their Tutor Training Course; part of a programme established to train individuals to deliver personal safety training within their own company or organisation. The Tutor Training Programme Co-ordinator at The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Harriet Bradley, said: “More and more organisations are recognising that personal safety training is essential in order to address the threat of violence in the workplace. Our trainers are in constant demand throughout the country and the Tutor Training Programme has never been more popular. We are delighted at the demand for the programme but not surprised by it as an in-house personal safety tutor is a really efficient and cost effective way of cascading personal safety training throughout the organisation. A tutor can provide all the internal personal safety training needed; ensuring there is a good source of personal safety knowledge on hand at all times; someone who can bring their knowledge to staff meetings, respond quickly to new training needs and help with the induction of new employees.”
An in-house personal safety tutor is an option for many organisations but by no means the only one, says the trust.
For further information about personal safety in the workplace and/or the Tutor Training Programme call 020 8876 0305.
About the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Suzy Lamplugh disappeared without trace in 1986. It soon became clear that accepted working practices had put her at unnecessary risk, the trust says. Recognising the need for an independent organisation that addressed personal safety issues, her family established The Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The Training and Resources Department, with 30 consultants and trainers and a nationwide network of more than 700 tutors, provides training in personal safety to local authorities, NHS Trusts, industry, housing associations, schools and colleges, police, and a range of businesses, organisations and professions throughout the country.
