SAFETY TOOL BOX TALK

Card No. 4a

ASSAULT / ABUSE
If you are threatened, or attacked, by a member of the public or
a workplace colleague try to stay as calm as you can - and
remember:
1. Think about your body language - don’t point your fingers
or clench your fists
2. Don’t shout or raise your voice unnecessarily;
3. Don’t invade the person’s personal space;
4. Be assertive, not aggressive, particularly if the person is
drunk.
5. Try not to retaliate; the law permits only a reasonable
amount of force to restrain attack.  Physical self defence
should only be used as a last resort. It limits your options
of getting away and will invariably commit you to a fight
that you could well lose.  Additionally you could be
legally liable for assault.
Always try to distance yourself from the situation; this may mean
you surrendering cash or equipment.  Under these
circumstances, you have no obligation to defend LUL property:
1. if you observe violent behaviour from a distance, or
sense its immediate likelihood, always try to get
assistance from the police, security and/or other
2. colleagues instead of attempting to resolve the problem
on your own;
3. take a good mental note of the person’s description;

4. If it is a workplace colleague, inform your manager as

soon as possible.
SAFETY TOOL BOX TALK

Card No. 4a

ASSAULT / ABUSE
General points
If you feel vulnerable in your work, discuss the situation with
your Line Manager so that all practicable consideration can be
applied to minimise the risks of assault.
If you are assaulted on duty and the incident results in legal
action, you may be able to get legal assistance from the
Company.  Your Line Manager/Supervisor will advise you.
Ensure it is reported. LUL needs to record and monitor every
incident.
On reporting an incident to your Line Manager/Supervisor, you
will be asked to help complete an Incident Notification Form. 
Apart from the requirement to record all such incidents, it will
help the Company to consider ways of preventing incidents in
the future.
The LUL Occupational Health Counselling and Advisory Service
exist to offer support to all staff and offers confidential
counselling and advice.  This service can be of help in many
ways and including dealing with the emotional and physical
after-effects of assault.
SAFETY TOOL BOX TALK

Card No. 4b

ASSAULT / ABUSE
How much do you know?

1. With respect to body language what should you avoid

doing?

2. Should you be assertive or aggressive?

3. In being assertive do you need to shout?

4. How much force should you use when restraining an

attack?

5. What should you do if you observe violent behaviour from a

distance?

6. What will you do if you are assaulted or abused by a

workplace colleague?

7. If you report an incident what are your obligations following

the report?

8. Should you encounter any incident and need advice who

can you speak to?