Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the way people can work and on the risks they face in their new circumstances. Key workers and those who can't work from home have, in some cases, experienced incidents of violence and aggression as people feel increasingly anxious about contracting the virus and access to healthcare, medicines and food. As restrictions continue to lift and businesses such as pubs and restaurants open their doors, the concern is that Covid-19 related incidents of violence and aggression, such as verbal abuse, harassment, and customers spitting, coughing, or sneezing on purpose may increase.

In addition, huge numbers of people are now working largely, if not entirely, from home, making them 'lone workers' who are out of sight or supervision of colleagues and therefore exposed to different risks. Risks can be associated with, for example, living in shared accommodation but also living and working alone with little contact with others which can affect mental wellbeing and confidence. 

Many organisations are having to ensure appropriate policies and measures are in place to mitigate additional or new risks staff will be exposed to, both within and outside of the home, as a result of lone-working remotely, while unsupervised by their employer.

 

Campaign for the Right To Be Safe

Suzy Lamplugh Trust believes that everyone has the right to be safe from violence and aggression wherever they are. Health and Safety Law sets out a duty of care for employers and employees to keep themselves and their staff safe at all times. Read our press release about the campaign here.

We have developed guidance to highlight some of the risks you may be facing and how to get advice and support to stay safe at work.

We also have Suzy's Charter for Workplace Safety which sets out a framework for employers and employees to ensure personal safety is a priority across their organisation.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to see all our personal safety advice and hear from professionals who worked to embed a culture of personal safety in their workplaces.