Making Workplace Safety a Priority

Saoirse Ronan’s recent appearance on the Graham Norton chat show sparked many thought-provoking discussions on personal safety, after she highlighted the way women often have to think about how to use their mobile phones when feeling frightened. There have also been calls for safer transport options for night-time workers in Bristol, after a woman was sexually assaulted on her way home. These events have highlighted the challenges many face simply getting to and from work. These examples highlight a concern for many individuals, particularly women and those from marginalised groups – safety remains a constant worry, both outside and, at times, within the workplace.

Why Safety Matters

Feeling safe is a fundamental requirement for wellbeing. For employees, knowing their employer prioritises their safety – whether commuting at night, working alone, or handling potentially confrontational tasks – encourages trust and loyalty. Organisations that go beyond legal compliance to genuinely address these concerns create an environment where employees can thrive, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the business.

Understanding the Challenges

To address workplace safety, it’s vital to identify the risks employees may face during their day-to-day activities, both in and out of work. These risks can vary depending on an individual’s role, working hours, or personal circumstances. Organisations must be mindful of these diverse challenges to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Below are some key areas of concern:

• Commuting Risks: Limited or unsafe transport options at night can leave workers vulnerable.
• Lone Working Risks: Employees working alone – such as security staff, healthcare providers, or delivery drivers – may be more susceptible to violence or aggression.
• Aggression in Public-Facing Roles: Verbal abuse and physical threats are common for those in customer service, healthcare, or retail.
• Carrying Valuables: Employees transporting money or equipment may be targeted for theft.
• Poorly Lit or Unsafe Spaces: Inadequate lighting or design flaws in buildings or parking areas increase the risk of incidents.
• Co-worker Harassment or Bullying: Employees may face verbal, emotional, or even physical intimidation from colleagues, which can create a hostile and unsafe work environment.

How Organisations Can Support Worker Safety

Creating a culture where employees feel both physically and psychologically secure goes beyond legal obligations. By adopting clear strategies, organisations can help ensure their workforce feels supported and protected – even out of work, leading to higher engagement and productivity. Below are practical steps to enhance safety and encourage a more inclusive environment:

1. Policy and Practice

• Develop policies addressing lone working, commuting, and handling aggression, tailored to specific risks employees may face.
• Regularly review and update these policies based on worker feedback and emerging threats.
• Clearly communicate zero-tolerance approaches to threats, harassment, or violence.

2. Proactive Safety Measures

• Offer subsidised or free transport for those working late shifts, such as ride-share credits or shuttle services.
• Advocate for safer public transport routes with local authorities and collaborate with community organisations to identify improvements.
• Install or upgrade workplace infrastructure, such as better lighting, CCTV, and secure access points.

3. Support Systems and Reporting

• Implement anonymous systems for reporting safety concerns or incidents.
• Train managers to address concerns empathetically and ensure affected workers receive timely support.
• Provide access to counselling or additional resources for employees who experience aggression or violence.

4. Training and Technology

• Equip employees with training on conflict resolution, recognising unsafe situations, and personal safety strategies.
• Provide access to personal safety apps, such as Hollie Guard, or GPS-enabled wearables for lone workers.
• Introduce training on using de-escalation techniques and understanding the specific risks faced by marginalised groups.

Exceeding Legal Obligations

While legal requirements provide a foundation, employers who invest in enhanced safety measures – like additional transport options or bespoke training – show they value their employees’ wellbeing beyond compliance. Actions such as subsidised night travel or personal safety workshops demonstrate a tangible commitment to employee welfare.

Championing Workplace Safety

Workplace safety involves protecting individuals from harm, threats, and incidents that could compromise their physical or psychological wellbeing in the course of their work. ​Such incidents can have severe physical, emotional, and economic consequences, not just for individuals but for organisations as well. The costs of inaction – higher employee turnover, reduced productivity, and reputational damage – far outweigh the investments in proactive safety initiatives.

Addressing these risks holistically and striving to exceed legal expectations, can create a culture of trust and security. This approach benefits everyone: employees feel supported and valued, and businesses thrive with an engaged workforce.