Don t be a Victim of Violent Crime

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1 Don t be a Victim of Violent Crime Working to make life safer and healthier

2 Don t be a Victim of Violent Crime Violent crime is a very real hazard for shopworkers. Every year around 10,000 retail workers are physically attacked and hundreds of thousands are subject to verbal abuse and intimidation. But there are things your employer can and should do to protect you. Many of these violent incidents could have been prevented. Usdaw, the Union for shopworkers, knows just how serious the risk of work-related violence can be. The Union campaigns to make work safer for all shopworkers. This leaflet explains what the Union can do to protect its members.

3 compensation If you re a victim of violence (anywhere and anytime in the UK) and you suffer serious injury call FirstCall Usdaw on to start your claim. Usdaw Legal Plus can help members claim compensation from the CICA the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority which is a state funded scheme. To qualify for compensation, your injuries must be sufficiently serious to justify at least the minimum amount of compensation which is pointers to a safer workplace Every workplace is different and there is no single simple solution in most workplaces. But here are some pointers: 1Be prepared Would you know what to do if you spot a shoplifter or credit card fraud or if there is a robbery? Your employer should have procedures in place to deal with incidents when they happen. 2Physical protection Security measures, alarms, CCTV, protective barriers, panic buttons can all help. Staff need to know how to operate security systems provided. 3Training Staff need to know what they are expected to do when an incident develops, how to follow safe working procedures, how to use security equipment properly. 4Cash handling Cash should be kept out of sight and not allowed to build up in the till.

4 In order to qualify you must: Personally report the incident to the Police within 48 hours and get a crime reference number. Usually, it's not enough if someone else reports it, such as a relative, friend or employer. The CICA insist that the incident is reported to the police, so that proper investigations can take place. If you do not report the incident within two days of it taking place, you will have to explain why to the CICA. See a Doctor immediately for treatment of physical injuries as well as psychological ones such as stress or shock. 5Banking Where possible banking should be done by specialist security staff. Should not be done alone, should not be done on foot or by public transport. Staff who are expected to do it should be fully trained. 6Shoplifters Over half of the physical assaults are linked to attempted shoplifting. Employers should make sure all staff know what to do if they see a suspected shoplifter. The policy should make it clear that no-one should risk personal safety to protect property. 7Armed robbery Employers should train people to be prepared for armed robbery. Doing exactly what the robber tells you, not resisting, avoiding sudden movements, not raising the alarm until it is safe to do so, should all be part of the policy. 8Lone working Working alone at high risk times, e.g. late at night, should be avoided. Where staff are expected to work alone, e.g. in a petrol kiosk, extra precautions should be taken. 9Reporting incidents Employers need to know exactly what risks their staff are exposed to. A reliable system for recording all incidents helps to build up the picture. 0Reviewing procedures To make sure that things are working properly, employers should review their procedures on a regular basis in consultation with the Union safety representatives.

5 prevention: making the workplace safer The best way to protect shopworkers against violence is to prevent incidents happening in the first place. Through its Freedom From Fear Campaign, Usdaw is working with your employer to make workplaces safer. Nationally, Usdaw is working with the Government, the health and safety authorities and employers organisations to tackle crime. Your employer has a duty to make your work as safe as possible. Good Trade Union organisation reduces the risk. If you are concerned about the risk of violence talk to your Health and Safety Rep. Your Usdaw Health and Safety Rep has legal powers to check on your employer s policy and to raise any problems. With your backing they can negotiate safer systems of work. If you suffer a criminal injury in the course of your work, you should record it using your employer s reporting procedures. Carefully check that the incident is correctly recorded, including the date and description. Ask for a copy of the report as you may need this in the future. Please speak to the Usdaw Rep in your workplace so that they know what happened to you and to discuss whether there are any steps which the employer could be taking to reduce the risk of incidents like this happening again. For more information visit:

6 Have you suffered a criminal injury? To start your claim call FirstCall Usdaw on You re better off in Usdaw Because together, Usdaw members can organise for a safer workplace. Because Usdaw can provide support and advice to help reduce the risks. Because if things do go wrong, Usdaw will fight for compensation. For further information or to join Usdaw ring the Union helpline * visit the Usdaw website write to Usdaw, FREEPOST Manchester M14 7DJ Scan here with your smartphone to view all the latest Freedom From Fear campaign news and resources** **to scan the code, download a QR reader app from your app store. A charge may be applied by your network provider. Improving workers lives Winning for members Published by Usdaw 188 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 6LJ *Calls charged at local rate Leaflet No. 313 September 2012