Health and Safety Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council are working with officers from the Health and Safety Executive and Dyfed Powys Police to tackle work-related violence and aggression.
National statistics indicate that one shop worker is attacked or threatened every minute of the shopping day, causing stress and anxiety for those affected or at risk.
People often have to take time off work after such incidents, creating more problems for business owners. Workers in the retail trade shouldn’t have to accept work-related violence as being ‘part of the job’.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the range of measures that can be taken to address aggression and violence, thereby contributing to efforts to reduce the effects of stress at work.
Over the 18 months of the project, officers will be visiting a range of retail premises in the county to provide advice and guidance. This is part of a national project involving all local authorities in Wales.
Councillor David Simpson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, said: “We are working together with other agencies in a novel project to keep businesses and their staff safe from the effects of crime.
“Simple measures can be taken to reduce the risk of crime. We don’t want people being fearful.
“Many events and crimes go unreported, but it’s important that we learn about them so we can target our efforts accordingly.”
As many as 60% of businesses experience crime, but officers are on hand to offer advice to businesses on how to deter criminals and keep staff safe.
If you would like further information on the project please contact the health and safety enforcement team of Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551 or visit the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk
