Managing Violence and Robbery in the Workplace

By being aware and having a plan in place before an act of violence occurs in your workplace, you will have a far greater chance of protecting yourself and other employees from harm.

Workplace Layout

• Design your office/factory/store to discourage robbery and violence
• Locate Cash Registers or POS terminals so they are clearly visible
• Display minimum amounts of goods that are often targeted in robberies
• Install security devices to monitor people in high risk areas in the premises (eg. mirrors in corners or ceilings)
• Keep counters clear of heavy or sharp items that could be used as weapons
• Use a high counter between reception person and the public or install screens
• Position staff to avoid ‘blind spots’ where the public enters the premises

Security Devices

• Use electronic sensors to alert staff that customers are entering or leaving the premises
• Use security cameras
• Offer staff personal protection devices, eg. personal duress alarms

Lighting

• Maintain a well lit interior and exterior to minimize hiding places

Doors and Windows

• Secure rear and side external doors to restrict access
• Organise an escape route for staff in the event of a violent attack
• Use deadbolts for doors and key locks for windows

Safes and Money

• Use drop safes and time delay safes
• Encourage electronic forms of payment
• Display signs to advise customers that minimal cash is held and time delay safes used

Training

• Design safety procedures that protect you and your staff
• Always follows the procedures and never chastise staff if they use the procedures, even if it is a false alarm
• Provide training and written procedures so everyone is prepared
• Teach employees how to deal with customers politely
• Show employees how to deal with confrontational customers
• Train employees how to pick up on signs of anger and tension from customers
• Educate employees on how to be aware of their surroundings
• Inform staff that their own safety is paramount and that they should not put their own safety at risk in order to rotect goods or property
• Train staff in non-violent responses to threatening situations
• Teach staff about what they should do in the event of a robbery or shoplifting incident
• Make sure staff are familiar with cash handling procedures and credit checks
• Train staff how to raise the alarm and operate security equipment
• Ask staff to take notes of any ‘odd’ occurrences – these notes may help to identify a future risk and ways to avoid it

Procedures

• Avoid opening and closing the shop/office/factory alone
• Roster more staff and more experienced staff at high risk times (eg. night)
• Minimize cash levels
• Use cash handling procedures that make cash less visible
• Transfer cash to bank regularly, at irregular times, by different routes and where possible with two people
• If dealing with large sums of cash use professional security services to transfer money
• Work with neighbouring businesses to reduce risks in your area
• If working after hours encourage staff to walk to carpark in groups, or be escorted to their vehicle by security staff