There has been an increase in armed hold ups and robberies in and around Sydney targeting Hospitality venues. This safety blast will go through some prevention strategies to minimise the risk of harm to staff, customers and the workplace.
Armed hold-ups and robberies can take various forms:
- Using weapons to threaten staff and customers.
- The use of threats or physical force without weapons.
The impact on your business can be significant however even more so on your staff involved.
Prevention to protect workers
Prevention is focused on understanding the specific risks to your business and determining appropriate risk mitigation strategies. First step would be to complete a risk assessment, in consultation with your workers. This will help you understand the vulnerabilities of your business with insights from your front-line workforce on their challenges, enabling you to develop the most effective controls relevant to you.
Your risk assessment should include:
- Review of any previous incidents.
- Review of differences in peak periods, low periods and special events.
- Identification of any physical vulnerabilities of your workplace.
- Analysis of your cash handling and closing procedures.
Following your risk assessment, you can then determine what you currently do well as preventative strategies, and areas you could improve.
Some prevention strategies to consider include:
- CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras.
- Having a visible security presence.
- Time delay safes.
- Ensuring adequate staffing at all times.
- Duress alarms.
- Regular and specific armed hold-up training.
More Information
SafeWork NSW has developed Violence in the Workplace Guide to assist businesses and their workers to appropriately deal with these confronting situations.
If your business experiences an armed hold-up or robbery, HII offers a free Critical Incident Service for our policy holders.
We also offer an Armed Robbery Safety course on our online learning platform, HIILearning.
If you require the Critical Incident Service or access to HIILearning, please contact the WHS Team.
We're here to help
As always, our people are here to help. For more information on resources and training courses available to all members, or any other questions you are welcome to contact the WHS Team.
E: info@hii.au
T: 02 8251 9069