Risk Assessment and Dynamic Risk Assessment

What is risk assessment?

Risk assessment is the first step in the process of developing a safe working environment.

Risk can be defined as:

The severity of a hazard multiplied by the likelihood of the hazard arising.

The main risks faced by staff on a general basis:

o             Dealing with people who may be under the influence of alcohol

o             Who might be involved in drug misuse

o             Enforcement of licensing laws and house rules

o             Refusal of service for a range of reasons

o             Criminal activity on the premises

Factors contributing to a violent incident:

Employee:

Exercising authorityPressured and Refusal or serviceTiredUnmotivated and attitudeLack of trainingLack of confidence
Unfamiliar with work locationDealing with cashIsolatedAppearanceUnder the influence of drink or drugAge, gender, ethnic origin

Customers:

GroupsIn need of care/attentionIn pain or Desperate for helpAfraid/ anxious
Expecting early attentionConfusedEmbarrassedA thief
On medicationPsychoticDrunkDrugged
Busy / lateHigh expectationsNaturally aggressiveCarrying a weapon

Environmental Factors that can contribute to a violent incident

At night and Dark cornersIsolatedLong winding corridorsPoor waiting facilities
Poor lightingPoor maintenance areaInadequate informationNoisy
Lack of communicationsPoor security provision- CCTVOpen door policyLocal area crime rate
MusicDesign and layoutAppearance and tidinessItems that can be weapons

These factors could result in the below outcomes

–              Shouting

–              Racial or sexual abuse

–              Pushing and Grabbing

–              Spitting

–              Objects thrown or Damage to property

–              Threats or Hostage situation

–              Locking staff in

Three main categories of risk reduction measures

1: Policy, procedures and guidance

2: Physical measures

3: Training

What is Dynamic Risk Assessment?

Dynamic Risk Assessment is a process which helps an individual to effectively assess a situation from a personal safety perspective as it is unfolding.

The three stages of Dynamic Risk Assessment

Stage 1: Step back and assess the threat

Look at POP method.

P – Person

O – Object

P – Place

Stage 2: Evaluate the options available

Stage 3: Respond, using the best option

Adopt SAFER approach.

S – Step back

A – Assess the threat (using POP)

F – Find help if needed

E – Evaluate the options available

Responses to Threat

1.            Emotional response and rational response

2.            Fight and flight

Triggers:

Triggers are often small things that are either said or done, which, when combined with other problems, spark off aggression.

Common triggers are:

  • Being embarrassed
  • Losing face
  • Feeling insulted
  • If they think that people are laughing at them
  • Old age
  • A person on constant medication

Inhibitors preventing aggression:

•             Self-control

•             Personal values

•             Fear that the other person will fight back (retaliation)

•             Social or legal consequences