Employee Welfare and Wellbeing - Revision history

Seymour Jacklin: /* Violence, Aggression and Challenging Behaviour at Work */ rewritten section in consultation with Rebekah Hook, simplified and repetition removed.

2025-09-02T08:55:43Z

Violence, Aggression and Challenging Behaviour at Work: rewritten section in consultation with Rebekah Hook, simplified and repetition removed.

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Rebekah Hook: /* Guidance and Records */

2025-04-29T10:48:25Z

Guidance and Records

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:48, 29 April 2025
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	'''Who is at risk?'''		'''Who is at risk?'''

	Employees whose job requires them to deal with the public can be at risk from violence. Most at risk are those who are engaged in:		''Employees whose job requires them to deal with the public can be at risk from violence. Most at risk are those who are engaged in:''

	* public facing work		* ''public facing work''
	* giving a service		* ''giving a service''
	* caring		* ''caring''
	* education		* ''education''
	* cash transactions		* ''cash transactions''
	* delivery/collection		* ''delivery/collection''
	* controlling		* ''controlling''
	* representing authority.		* ''representing authority.''

	Both employer and employees have an interest in reducing violence at work.		Both employer and employees have an interest in reducing violence at work.

Rebekah Hook: /* Guidance and Records */

2025-04-29T10:47:39Z

Guidance and Records

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 29 April 2025
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	Both employer and employees have an interest in reducing violence at work.		Both employer and employees have an interest in reducing violence at work.

	For employees, violence can cause distress, pain and possibly disability or death. Physical attacks are dangerous. However, it should be remembered that verbal abuse or threats can also damage employees’ health through anxiety or stress.		For employees, violence can cause distress, pain and possibly disability or death. Physical attacks are dangerous. However, it should be remembered that verbal abuse or threats can also damage employees’ health through anxiety or stress in the short and long term. Talking about fear and other problems related to aggression or harassment are not marks of failure but good practice.

	For employers, violence can lead to a bad image and poor morale for the company, which can make it hard to recruit and retain staff. It can also mean extra financial cost, with higher insurance premiums, absenteeism and compensation payments.		For employers, violence can lead to a bad image and poor morale for the company, which can make it hard to recruit and retain staff. It can also mean extra financial cost, with higher insurance premiums, absenteeism and compensation payments.

			===== Personal Safety in Dealing with Aggression =====
			If employees find themselves in an aggressive situation, they are advised to:

			* '''Try to stay calm''' if someone is starting to get angry. Body language, voice and response can help to defuse a situation. Take a deep breath, keep voice on an even keel, and try to help.
			* '''Offer an angry person a range of options''' from which they can choose the one they prefer. They will find it difficult to stay angry.
			* '''Do not be aggressive back -''' this is how anger can escalate into violence.
			* '''Consider: Are they the best person to deal with this situation?''' Going to get someone else is often helpful, particularly if they can solve a problem that the other cannot.
			* '''Get on the same level as the aggressor.''' If they are standing so should the employee. It makes them feel less vulnerable and makes it easier for them to get away or fetch help if necessary.
			* '''Keep their balance and keep their distance.'''
			* '''Do not touch someone who is angry.'''
			* '''Do not let their escape route be blocked.'''
			* '''If the situation is dangerous, then get away as fast as they can.''' Never remain alone with an actively violent person.
			* '''Keep themselves between an escape route and an aggressor''' so they can still get away.

	===== What the Law Requires =====		===== What the Law Requires =====
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	'''Keep detailed records'''		'''Keep detailed records'''

	All incidents, including verbal abuse and threats, should be recorded so you have a clear picture of the problem. The following information should be recorded:		All incidents, including verbal abuse and threats, should be reported to management and recorded so you have a clear picture of the problem. The following information should be recorded:

	* Details of the victim(s), the assailant(s) and any witnesses		* Details of the victim(s), the assailant(s) and any witnesses
	* The date, time and place of the incident		* The date, time and place of the incident
	* The location of the incident		* The location of the incident
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	====== Stage 2: Deciding what action to take ======		====== Stage 2: Deciding what action to take ======
	If you have identified that violence could be a problem for your employees you need to decide what action you need to take. ~~The~~ following steps should be followed:		If you have identified that violence could be a problem for your employees you need to decide what action you need to take. The following steps should be followed:

	'''Decide who might be harmed and how'''		'''Decide who might be harmed and how'''
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	'''Record your findings'''		'''Record your findings'''

	As with all risk assessments, maintain a record of the findings of your assessment. ~~This~~ can be done using the risk assessment template, which is contained in the Risk Assessment Library section of your online health & safety policy. This will provide a working document on which managers and supervisors can act.		As with all risk assessments, maintain a record of the findings of your assessment. <s>This can be done using the risk assessment template, which is contained in the Risk Assessment Library section of your online health & safety policy. This will provide a working document on which managers and supervisors can act.</s>

	'''Review and revise your assessment'''		'''Review and revise your assessment'''

Rebekah Hook: /* Signage */

2025-01-17T12:10:16Z

Signage

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 17 January 2025
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	It is important that you understand the importance of continuing to have no smoking signs prominently and legibly displayed in order to support your staff and to ensure trouble free compliance by persons using your premises. To that end you should keep and maintain existing signs in place, particularly at entrances to premises.		It is important that you understand the importance of continuing to have no smoking signs prominently and legibly displayed in order to support your staff and to ensure trouble free compliance by persons using your premises. To that end you should keep and maintain existing signs in place, particularly at entrances to premises.

	~~The simplest way to obtain a smoke free sign is to download it from the Smokefree England website. The advantage of using this sign is that it is widely recognised and clear.~~

	~~''<nowiki>http://collections.europarchive.org/tna/20110202220654/http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/files/a5_sign_sf_premises.pdf</nowiki>)''~~

	===== Exemptions =====		===== Exemptions =====

Rebekah Hook: /* Short-term effects */

2025-01-02T14:40:22Z

Short-term effects

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 2 January 2025
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	This type of smoke contains more toxins and nicotine than mainstream smoke.		This type of smoke contains more toxins and nicotine than mainstream smoke.

	==== Short-term effects ====		===== Short-term effects =====
	The effects you might notice straight away include:		The effects you might notice straight away include:

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	* Pregnant women exposed to second hand smoke can pass on the harmful gases and chemicals to their babies.		* Pregnant women exposed to second hand smoke can pass on the harmful gases and chemicals to their babies.

	~~'''~~Help and advice~~'''~~		===== Help and advice =====

	If your employees need advice and support on how to stop smoking, the following may be useful:		If your employees need advice and support on how to stop smoking, the following may be useful:

Rebekah Hook: /* Guidance and Records */

2025-01-02T14:39:34Z

Guidance and Records

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 2 January 2025
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	There are some exemptions from the smokefree law, which are subject to strict conditions that the person in control of or managing the premises must ensure are met. Exemptions are usually for humanitarian reasons and are as follows:		There are some exemptions from the smokefree law, which are subject to strict conditions that the person in control of or managing the premises must ensure are met. Exemptions are usually for humanitarian reasons and are as follows:

	* Managers can designate specific guest bedrooms for smoking in hotels, hostels, guesthouses, inns and member’s clubs that provide accommodation		* Managers can designate specific guest bedrooms for smoking in hotels, hostels, guesthouses, inns and member’s clubs that provide accommodation
	* Care homes and hospices can designate either bedrooms or rooms to be used for smoking (only for those over the age of 18)		* Care homes and hospices can designate either bedrooms or rooms to be used for smoking (only for those over the age of 18)
	* Offshore installations, e.g. oil rigs, may designate rooms to be used for smoking		* Offshore installations, e.g. oil rigs, may designate rooms to be used for smoking
	* Specialist tobacconist shops/Research and testing facilities (Please contact Alcumus SafeWorkforce for more information on these exemptions if they apply to you)		* Specialist tobacconist shops/Research and testing facilities (Please contact Alcumus SafeWorkforce for more information on these exemptions if they apply to you)

	In the above instances, where a room is to designated for smoking you must ensure that the room is not allowed to be used for anything else e.g. television room.		In the above instances, where a room is to designated for smoking you must ensure that the room is not allowed to be used for anything else e.g. television room.
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	Proprietors and managers of exempted premises are under no obligation to provide smoking areas if they do not wish to do so. If however, you do decide to designate a room as a room where smoking is allowed you must ensure the following requirements are met:		Proprietors and managers of exempted premises are under no obligation to provide smoking areas if they do not wish to do so. If however, you do decide to designate a room as a room where smoking is allowed you must ensure the following requirements are met:

	* The room must be designated in writing by the person in charge of the premises		* The room must be designated in writing by the person in charge of the premises
	* The room must have a ceiling and be fully enclosed on all sides by solid floor to ceiling walls (except for doors and windows).		* The room must have a ceiling and be fully enclosed on all sides by solid floor to ceiling walls (except for doors and windows).
	* The room must not ventilate into any other part of the premises.		* The room must not ventilate into any other part of the premises.
	* The room must have mechanically closing doors.		* The room must have mechanically closing doors.
	* The room must be clearly marked.		* The room must be clearly marked.

	===== Offences =====		===== Offences =====
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	The safety of the persons using the facilities must be assessed e.g. if the area is poorly lit, isolated or otherwise unsafe. A risk assessment should take into account factors such as:		The safety of the persons using the facilities must be assessed e.g. if the area is poorly lit, isolated or otherwise unsafe. A risk assessment should take into account factors such as:

	* Segregation of pedestrians and moving vehicles		* Segregation of pedestrians and moving vehicles
	* Adequate lighting		* Adequate lighting
	* Fire hazards		* Fire hazards
	* The personal safety of persons smoking outside.		* The personal safety of persons smoking outside.

	===== Second Hand Smoke =====		===== Second Hand Smoke =====
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	* Coughing		* Coughing
	* Headache		* Headache
	* Eye irritation		* Eye irritation
	* Sore throat		* Sore throat
	* Sneezing and runny nose		* Sneezing and runny nose
	* Feeling sick		* Feeling sick
	* Breathing problems (and possibly an asthma attack)		* Breathing problems (and possibly an asthma attack)
	* Irregular heartbeat (a particular problem for people with heart disease)		* Irregular heartbeat (a particular problem for people with heart disease)

	===== Long-term effects: =====		===== Long-term effects: =====
	The effects you might notice in the long term include:		The effects you might notice in the long term include:

	* Worsening of chest problems and allergies like asthma, hay fever, bronchitis and emphysema		* Worsening of chest problems and allergies like asthma, hay fever, bronchitis and emphysema
	* Increased risk of heart disease		* Increased risk of heart disease
	* Increased risk of lung cancer		* Increased risk of lung cancer
	* Pregnant women exposed to second hand smoke can pass on the harmful gases and chemicals to their babies.		* Pregnant women exposed to second hand smoke can pass on the harmful gases and chemicals to their babies.

	'''Help and advice'''		'''Help and advice'''
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	Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a voluntary organisation which aims to raise awareness about tobacco and its effects on people’s lives.		Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a voluntary organisation which aims to raise awareness about tobacco and its effects on people’s lives.

	~~'''~~Giving UP~~'''~~		===== Giving UP =====

	'''<nowiki/>'Cold turkey' - using willpower alone'''		'''<nowiki/>'Cold turkey' - using willpower alone'''

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	It is the nicotine in tobacco that makes people addicted to smoking, so when you stop smoking your body craves nicotine. It is this craving that makes you want to start smoking again. This craving is often coupled with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which include:		It is the nicotine in tobacco that makes people addicted to smoking, so when you stop smoking your body craves nicotine. It is this craving that makes you want to start smoking again. This craving is often coupled with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which include:

	* cravings for tobacco		* cravings for tobacco
	* irritability & outbursts of anger		* irritability & outbursts of anger
	* weight gain		* weight gain
	* depression		* depression
	* headaches		* headaches
	* insomnia		* insomnia
	* anxiety		* anxiety
	* loss of concentration		* loss of concentration
	* tiredness		* tiredness
	* constipation		* constipation
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	'''Facts about smoking'''		'''Facts about smoking'''

	* Rates of smoking are higher in some countries than in others. Up to 1 person in 3 in the EU smokes but rates are falling		* Rates of smoking are higher in some countries than in others. Up to 1 person in 3 in the EU smokes but rates are falling
	* Passive smoking occurs when someone inhales other people's tobacco smoke		* Passive smoking occurs when someone inhales other people's tobacco smoke
	* Burning tobacco is the main cause of indoor pollution in the developed world		* Burning tobacco is the main cause of indoor pollution in the developed world
	* Tobacco smoke contains 4000 chemicals either in the form or particles or gases. 60 of these are known or suspected carcinogens. No chemical can be filtered effectively		* Tobacco smoke contains 4000 chemicals either in the form or particles or gases. 60 of these are known or suspected carcinogens. No chemical can be filtered effectively
	* People who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day have twice as much time off work due to illness as non-smokers		* People who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day have twice as much time off work due to illness as non-smokers
	* Passive smokers suffer a 25% increased risk of respiratory diseases		* Passive smokers suffer a 25% increased risk of respiratory diseases
	* One in two smokers is likely to die early from a disease related to tobacco use		* One in two smokers is likely to die early from a disease related to tobacco use
	* Worldwide, one person dies every 10 seconds as a result of tobacco use – three million people per year		* Worldwide, one person dies every 10 seconds as a result of tobacco use – three million people per year
	* Out of 10 smokers would like to stop. Giving up smoking at whatever age reduces the risk of illness and death.		* Out of 10 smokers would like to stop. Giving up smoking at whatever age reduces the risk of illness and death.

Rebekah Hook at 14:36, 2 January 2025

2025-01-02T14:36:34Z

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Rebekah Hook at 14:23, 2 January 2025

2025-01-02T14:23:01Z

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Rebekah Hook: Created page with "== Welfare == ==== Policy ==== We will provide welfare facilities in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations as a minimum. Suitable and sufficient facilities will be provided, taking into account the number of people and the tasks or work they will be undertaking. We will ensure that all facilities provided are effectively maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times and that they are suitable for the pu..."

2025-01-02T14:18:33Z

Created page with "== Welfare == ==== Policy ==== We will provide welfare facilities in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations as a minimum. Suitable and sufficient facilities will be provided, taking into account the number of people and the tasks or work they will be undertaking. We will ensure that all facilities provided are effectively maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times and that they are suitable for the pu..."

Show changes