8 minute read
21 : SAFETY
safety
Martyn’s Law - safety
Figen with Martyn in their last photo together
Martyn Hett sadly lost his life in a terrorist attack along with 21 others at the Manchester Arena in May 2017. Martyn’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation that would form part of the ‘Protect Duty’ which when
The government recently announced that employees in England are no longer required to work from home.
What do employers have to do to keep their workers safe?
The experts at PIB Risk Management have prepared some simple measures which all organisations can consider to help mitigate risks or even remove them completely. Risk Management can help an organisation to increase efficiency, reduce costs and present themselves as a better business to customers, prospects and suppliers. The pandemic has presented many challenges for business and other organisations, this is a perfect example of when organisations with a clear risk management process can continue to run effectively, ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. As businesses slowly return to work, there are some simple risk management measures to apply:
Know your business
Businesses will need to build on the government guidance with a response that is tailored to their sector, size, need, environment and people.
Plan and communicate
Many of your colleagues may feel nervous about returning to work. By ensuring that you have thoroughly planned for their return and by effectively communicating these plans you can help reduce anxieties and give introduced, places a legal requirement or ‘duty’ on publicly accessible locations (PAL’s) to protect the public from Terrorism. This means it will likely apply to any place or space to which the public have access. For small venues, this may require minimal measures such as providing employees with a free of charge one hour training session in the form of ACT e-learning or putting together a counter terrorism plan. Martyn’s Law will be a stand-alone legislation and will not be incorporated into H&S or fire safety policies. For larger companies or more complex venues, it will require a more holistic,
confidence that people are returning to a safe place of work. Some simple considerations: • Understand and be clear about the Government guidance for your sector. • Carry out a risk assessment and keep a record of this if you have more than 5 employees, for more than 50 employees you should publish your risk assessment on your website. • Do not rush, continue to encourage remote working where possible.
Prepare premises
Once you have completed and communicated your return to work plan it is important that your premises are prepared for the return of your colleagues, customers and visitors. You should consider a deep clean of your building/site with the appropriate products and increase detailed approach. It consists of five requirements. That spaces and places to which the public have access to: • engage with freely available counter terrorism advice, awareness sessions and training; • conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces; • mitigate the risks identified as vulnerabilities; • put in place a counter-terrorism plan and; • a requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism. When the legislation is introduced, it is anticipated that there will be a lead in time to implement the above. Aaron Duggan, a former Detective Chief Superintendent and a Director of Portent Solutions Ltd - a risk and crisis management consultancy based in Greater Manchester said. “The ongoing inquiry into the 2017 attack has already identified a number of issues that could have possibly helped mitigate the attack. “One of those issues was the lack of opportunity for staff to practice and exercise their training in a ‘safe’ environment. “Plans and training need to be tested and exercised regularly at all levels to ensure
Why risk management is important as businesses return to work cleaning routines to match the increase been prominent throughout the pandemic of employees into the premises. it is still important to continue to reinforce Social distancing and face coverings good practice. These measures may continue to Ensuring good ventilation of the workplace, remain a key part of official guidance. including the use of air conditioning, can All workplaces are different and also help reduce the risk of spreading practices on social distancing and the coronavirus. wearing of face coverings will need to Managing health risks be adapted to suit your circumstances. Everyone needs to remain alert to potential Where possible reduce the workplace symptoms of COVID-19 and to take density through homeworking. appropriate action if they suffer symptoms Access controls or are exposed to people with symptoms. Controlling visitor/staff access to your Test kits should be encouraged when premises is key to ensuring the safety appropriate. of everyone. Again, this will vary from Mental health business to business and settings that see a regular flow of customers and visitors will need to consider how to encourage social distancing. As an employer it is your duty of care to protect people’s mental health. Some employees may suffer from fear and anxiety about infection, continued social Hygiene and cleaning isolation, and even illness or bereavement. Good hygiene and cleaning practices Businesses should be alert to these factors are two of the most important tools to and put measures in place to support their prevent spread of COVID-19. Whilst employees. The earlier a problem can be messaging around these areas has tackled, the less impact it will have.
in your business
that when an incident occurs, a business or organisation and their staff are in the best place to respond and deal with it. “The determination of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, to bring about change in the way we view our responsibilities to protect people from terrorism should be widely applauded. “Martyn’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation that would form part of the “Protect Duty” which will require any venue to have in place an antiterrorism plan which is similar to a fire evacuation plan. “It is accepted that this legislation will not prevent a determined terrorist attack, however, it will put organisations in the best possible place to deal with any incident and help save lives. Preventing Terrorism is everyone’s business, local communities, businesses in the private sector and public organisations all have a vital role to play. “Portent Solutions can help you prepare for this legislation; we have a background in law enforcement, managing community safety and crisis management across Greater Manchester and the Northwest region spanning three decades. Our initial review of risk to your business is completely free”. “You should remain alert but not alarmed, if concerned you should report suspicious activity online at act.campaign.gov.uk”
info@portentsolutions.co.uk 07771 578384
portentsolutions.co.uk
Giving you peace of mind
Guide Security provide a comprehensive range of fire, access, intruder and CCTV systems which can benefit from being integrated onto a single digital platform. Established in 1996, and founded on the principles of service excellence, we specialise in the design, installation, maintenance and monitoring of electronic security solutions across a wide range of sectors. Unlike some, we are not tied to any manufacturers of security technologies or use any third party monitoring services, hence committed to delivering the most independent, appropriate and effective security solutions available in the market today for our clients. Our value-added approach to security and our attention to detail makes
Guide Security the most obvious choice for those serious about their
security requirements. Security is what we do, unrivalled expertise with the latest cutting-edge technology. We are small enough to care, and big enough to deliver.
Contact: Bipin Patel on 07973 168857 or email: bipin.patel@guidesecurity.co.uk
to arrange a review of your electronic security requirements.
guidesecurity.co.uk
The NEW Public Access Trauma Kit
(PAcT kit) is designed for people with no medical training to save a life
The PAcT kit is designed for use in an emergency when every second counts, and has been created as a direct result of the Arena bombing in Manchester. A casualty who is losing a lot of blood must be treated within a couple of minutes! The PAcT kit is also equipped with an easy to read ‘Trauma Card’ that gives very clear instructions on putting a casualty into the ‘recovery position’. The recovery position is a life saving must for non medical trained people who if asked, would be able to make a difference in an emergency. The ‘Trauma card’ also shows how to stop bleeding using the super-simple STAT Tourniquet from a severe wound or amputation in 5 easy to follow steps. The STAT Tourniquet has been chosen because its use requires NO previous training, and is extremely quick to apply, ensuring multiple casualties are attended to very quickly! It’s easy to use because it can be applied in the same way as a simple cable tie. PLUS it has a timer device to let paramedics know how long it has been on the casualty. A hugely beneficial advantage that no other tourniquet offers.
Which venues should have a PAcT kit?
Bars, restaurants, and any venue that comes under the heading of hospitality. Also larger venues including stadiums, arenas and airports. Anywhere large groups of people gather. PAcT kits should not be confused with first aid kits. First aid kits are not suitable for mass casualty and terrorist type attacks. There are laws going through parliament right now that emphasise the importance of all types of venues where large numbers of people come together being better prepared. These laws are as a direct result of the Arena bombing in 2017 where 22 people lost their lives because insufficient medical preparation had been made. A phone call, or email is all it takes to ensure your venue is legally compliant.
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