Don’t be a victim of violent crime

Usdaw, the union for shopworkers, knows just how serious the risk of work-related violence can be. The union campaigns to make work safer for all shopworkers. This leaflet explains what the union can do to protect its members

Violent crime is a very real hazard for shopworkers. In 2001, nearly 20,000 retail workers were physically assaulted and hundreds of thousands were subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation. But there are things your employer can and should do to protect you. Many of these violent incidents could have been prevented.

Prevention

Your employer has a duty to make your work as safe as possible.

Good trade union organisation reduces the risk.

Your Usdaw safety representative has legal powers to check on your employer's policy and to raise any problems. With your backing they can negotiate safer systems of work.

If you are concerned about the risk of violence talk to your safety representative.

Nationally, Usdaw is working with the Government, the health and safety authorities and employers' organisations to make work safer and to tackle crime.

10 pointers to a safer workplace

1. Be prepared

   Would you know what to do if you spot a shoplifter or credit card fraud or if there is a robbery? Your employer should have procedures to deal with incidents planned in advance.

2. Physical protection

   Security measures, alarms, CCTV, protective barriers, panic buttons can all help. Staff need to know how to operate security systems provided.

3. Training

   Staff need to know what they are expected to do when an incident develops, how to follow safe working procedures, how to use security equipment properly.

4. Cash handling

   Cash should be kept out of sight and not allowed to build up in the till.

5. Banking

   Where possible banking should be done by specialist security staff. Should not be done alone, should not be done on foot or by public transport. Staff who are expected to do it should be fully trained.

6. Shoplifters

   Over half of the physical assaults are linked to attempted shoplifting. Employers should make sure all staff know what to do if they see a suspected shoplifter. The policy should make it clear that no-one should risk personal safety to protect property.

7. Armed robbery

   Employers should train people to be prepared for armed robbery. Doing exactly what the robber tells you, not resisting, avoiding sudden movements, not raising the alarm until it is safe to do so, should all be part of the policy.

8. Lone working

   Working alone at high risk times, e.g. late at night, should be avoided. Where staff are expected to work alone, e.g. in a petrol kiosk, extra precautions should be taken.

9. Reporting incidents

   Employers need to know exactly what risks their staff are exposed to. A reliable system for recording all incidents helps to build up the picture.

10. Reviewing procedures

    To make sure that things are working properly, employers should review their procedures on a regular basis in consultation with the union safety representatives.

Compensation

If you suffer a physical or a mental injury as a result of:

• A crime of violence

• Trying to stop an offence or catch an offender

• Sexual assault

you may have a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). There are certain rules that must be met before you get compensation through the CICA scheme. For example, your injuries must be serious enough to warrant a minimum award of £1,000. But don't put off making a claim even if you think your injuries are not serious. There may be later complications.

It is important that you act quickly if you are attacked.

This is what you do:

1. Report the attack personally to the police as soon as possible. You must do this even if someone else, like the store manager, has already reported the incident. Under the CICA rules you must normally report the incident within 48 hours unless your injuries prevent you.

2. Report the incident to your employer.

3. Contact your Usdaw representative or the Legal Department at Usdaw Central Office.

Making a claim is simple. The Usdaw Legal Plus service will take you through each step.

Joan, a shop assistant, witnessed an armed robbery where a security guard was badly injured. As a result she suffered considerable anxiety. She received £1,000 from the CICA.

Linda was working on the cigarette kiosk when an assailant punched her in the face and snatched money from the till. Although her black eye healed, the mental injury meant that she was unable to return to work at that store. She was awarded £8,000.

Bill, a store assistant manager, was hit in the face with a bottle when he challenged a suspected shoplifter. The attack left some scarring to his face and a chipped tooth. He received £1,600 compensation.

Roy, a milkman, was dragged from his float by assailants and punched and kicked in an attempted robbery. He suffered bruising and was badly shaken. The CICA awarded him £1,000 compensation.

You're better off in Usdaw

• Because together, Usdaw members can organise for a safer workplace.

• Because Usdaw can provide support and advice to help reduce the risks.

• Because if things do go wrong then Usdaw will fight for compensation.

For further information you can download Leaflet 313 Don't be a victim of violent crime from the resource library.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/resources/1060595581_6675.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 06-Sep-2007 23:14:04 EST
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