Across the UK, there is an increased need for businesses across a variety of sectors to re-evaluate and enhance their staff safety measures. The current climate of unprecedented violent behaviour requires organisations to have robust safety measures in place to protect their frontline staff.
While a wide-spread issue, it is important to understand that each workplace will have its own unique set of safety challenges. High-risk workplaces come in different forms and may not always seem obvious at first glance
We have identified five examples of high-risk workplaces and their priorities when considering a strong security strategy.
Hospitals & Mental Health Facilities
Hospitals are inherently high-risk environments, especially those with mental health units. Vulnerable patients experiencing complex health issues can often experience high levels of distress which may lead to hostile behaviour. Between April and November 2023, a staggering 406 violent incidents were reported against NHS workers in London alone (BBC).
In this environment, it is crucial that safety protocols de-escalate volatile situations quickly and allow healthcare professionals to access assistance in dangerous situations, for their own safety and the safety of their patients.
Schools
There has been a significant rise in violence in schools in Scotland. Reports indicate a 53% rise in violent incidents since 2019 (The Scotsman). This significant increase highlights the growing challenges teachers and school staff face in maintaining a safe learning environment.
Discreet, personal staff alarm systems can provide educators with a vital tool to manage and deter incidents of violence. Our P2 safety systems allows staff to alert situations of two different severity levels, ensuring the most effective form of support is provided.
Retail Centres
Retail workers, especially those in high street shops are facing an unprecedented rise in violence. The recent riots across England saw many stores close their doors amid fears of being subject to violent incidents. Additionally, a report by Association of Convenience Stores revealed that the number of violent incidents in retail stores nearly doubled in 2024 compared to previous years.
Although these shops will often have CCTV, this is less likely to prevent or de-escalate incidents than the use of safety alarm systems. Our P2 alarm system can be easily integrated into infrastructures such as CCTV, enabling businesses to seamlessly level-up their security measures.
Prisons
Prisons are, by nature, high-risk environments. The potential for violent outbreaks is consistent and prison staff are frequently exposed to aggressive behaviours. Here, staff alarm systems are a critical, immediate line of communication to receive assistance during violent situations.
Care Homes
Care homes staff treat some of the nation’s most vulnerable people and residents are likely to experience a variety of illnesses. Some of which- such as Alzheimer's- are likely to cause residents to exhibit unpredictable, aggressive behaviours.
Following the pandemic, calls for changes to the culture within care homes came to light (Community Care). Given the daily risk of both physical and verbal abuse, security protocols which maintain a safe environment is a vital element of retaining staff.
De-escalation is a priority when managing incidents in workplaces such as care homes. This is where personal alarm systems play a vital role. Twin Code Battery PIT’s ensure that staff members can immediately alert to incidents as they arise.
The solution to volatile workplaces?
With incidents of a violent nature continuing to escalate across a variety of workplaces- many playing a crucial role in our society- it is vital that durable, reliable security systems are put in place to ensure staff are able to effectively carry out their work without fears for their safety.
The installation of safety alarms should not be viewed as a tick-box exercise to meet safety regulations; it’s about prioritising and protecting their most valuable assets - their people.
Interested in Pinpoint’s award-winning staff safety systems? View our system here