Gwynedd Council is raising awareness of the importance of controlling violence in workplaces where the effects of excessive drinking amongst customers can lead to instances of violence against staff members.
The Council’s Public Protection officers have recently been visiting public houses, clubs and takeaway outlets across Gwynedd checking what systems they have in place to protect staff and members of the public from violence, and to promote the Health and Safety Executive’s toolkit on managing violence at work.
Councillor John R Jones, who leads on Public Protection matters on Gwynedd Council said:
“Ensuring staff feel safe at their workplace is fundamentally important to the success of any business. We are aware that the risk of violence can be higher in some types of businesses, and I am pleased that we as a Council can provide support to owners and managers of these businesses.”
Aled Davies, Head of Gwynedd Council Regulatory Department, added:
“Violence, or the threat of violence in the workplace can result in physical injury, stress, fear, and long absences from work. The response from businesses has been positive, and generally businesses are very aware of the risk of violence and strive to operate systems to ensure the safety of staff and customers.”
Kevin Jones, Manager of Tafarn y Porth, Wetherspoon, Caernarfon noted:
“The safety of our staff and our customers is very important to us, we have robust systems in place to ensure safety – everything from the CCTV cameras that we use to the thorough training our door staff receive.”
For more information on controlling violence in the workplace contact the Health and Safety team of Gwynedd Council’s Public Protection Service on 01286 682 728, or email: [email protected]
