An increasing number of NHS staff work alone, for some or all of their day, in community settings such as patients’ homes or on outreach work.
Unfortunately, violence and abuse directed at NHS workers is nothing new with many employees resigning themselves to the fact that experiencing violence and aggression is part of their job. In addition, healthcare staff also have to be wary of being targeted for theft and dealing with people under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
While an attitude of ‘it will never happen to me’ is prevalent, statistics indicate that real risks to personal safety do exist and are realised at a worrying level.
According to a recent report from Sky News, more than 72,000 assaults on NHS staff took place over the past four years. The number of attacks is probably much higher - perhaps double - as only half the NHS hospital trusts in England and Wales responded to the questionnaire.
Under health and safety legislation, employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace. This is not necessarily a costly venture: simple policies and procedures can be put in place which don’t require huge amounts of staff time and resources.
Taking the time to talk to employees about the risks they face and what a lone worker policy should include to ensure it works is an effective investment. For lone workers, they would also benefit from training in de-escalation techniques and the ability to receive an appropriate response in an emergency via a buddy system or personal safety device.
This guide explores some of the risks faced by NHS staff required to work alone. It outlines the responsibilities of the organisation and the employee so that both parties can understand how to effectively stay safe while lone working.
¹www.hsj.co.uk/workforce/violence-against-nhs-staff-read-the-full-report/7022168.article
