Security Officers Hazards?

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:27 pm

Is there a review of the UK industry, similar to this?

http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/hdo/pdf/offcr_security.pdf

If there is what can we learn when we compare the two sets of data?

If no equivalent data is available why not, Should the HSE have a database full of occupational hazards not only appertaining to our industry but to all?

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 2:02 pm

Having looked on the HSE website I can find no comparable data, having said that you could compile a similar document to that of the US version on my previous post.
I find it hard to believe that with such a large portion of the UK workforce employed within this industry there is not a specific hazard related document.

I did find a document on H & S stastics it covers deaths from mesothelioma (a form of cancer) and asbestosis
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/occ8000.pdf

We are listed on pages 12, 20, 25, 29 item number 58
You can also access a Excel spreadsheet from the above link

Workplace violance
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030514/debtext/30514-38.htm

HSE publication
http://www.hse.gov.uk/dst/r2p2.pdf

The point I'm trying to make is "Is the Government and other appointed bodies doing enough to protect members of our industry?"

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 2:02 pm

A very impressive document but surely nothing that would not be covered in a risk assesment? I fail to see why the HSE should have something like this? Perhaps I am missing the point. I could see why professional security organisations such as the Guild should make something available like this and it would provide a good template. This is certainly no more than is covered on a IOSH or NEBOSH course.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:52 pm

Some good finds there Dave!
I have been over and over the HSE website many times and trawled through most of the documentation they have - I must have missed a couple becuse that is the first time I have actually seen 'Security Personnel' listed in any statistics for injuries and deaths.

Personally, I think there are sufficient workforce numbers for the HSE to propogate this catagory through to their other documentation or perhaps a new catagory of Private Enforcement Personnel, this would have a wider scope to include PCSO's as well as private security officers etc.

I'm sure Leon would be interested in statistics for PCSO's throughout the UK.
I have written to the HSE on many occassions regarding statistical data for deaths and injuries pertaining to security personnel and rather than give me documents or links I have merely been directed to 'see our website' which is not an awful lot of help when I had already tols them that I couldnt find any - hence the query.

We might do better with LAC's (Local Authority Circulars). These documents are issued by the HSE to enforcing health authorities as 'guidance' when investigating breaches of health and safety etc.
We did post a couple of references on the old britishsecurity site to some LACs which pertained to the security industry together with the comments we sent to the HSE regarding what we percieved as needed changes, together with the 'this is what really happens and why'.

We did have some good feedback from that and if memory serves, one of the LACs is up for revision this year.
I'll dig them out, post them on here and forward any updates to the HSE.

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:50 pm

Just a quick one but how would PCSO's be counted in Private Enforcement Personnel? Sorry to be picky and it might sound pedantic but PCSO's are employed by the relelvant Police Force and believe me from what I have seen and heard they have the most comprehensive risk assesment possible.

Legeslation is needed for the poor underpaid Officer who works for a small company that supplies Security Staff to an equally small client who can't pay much. These are the ones that are at risk as no-one notices them. The LA circulars are very good but as I work for an LA I can garauntee that unless you go looking for them they don't exactly arrive in your in tray.

The SIA will surely be the agency that will take all this on board and provide numerous risk checks and guidlines (stop laughing at the back).

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:13 am

To be honest Leon the only checks I can see the SIA doing will be the ones to increase their own coffers, not looking after security staff! Twisted Evil

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:29 pm

Ok Leon, tiredness got the better of me, what I meant to say in as breif a description as possible was, enforcement personnel other than the Police who have their own catagory if I remember rightly.

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 6:59 pm

I did wonder. Dave, I can only say you are bound to be proved right. Did anyone see the programme the other night about "Bouncers" (not my word) in Hampshire who will be the first licensed? The conflict of ideas between the SIA and people who actually work in the Industry was frightening.

I wonder if within the new licensing framework there could be something to force the employer (be it club or company) to submit their Risk Assesments to the SIA for approval? This would be a start ready for our licensing and the same rules to be applied. How about a blanket mail to all our members to guage how many of them have seen let alone been consulted in their Task Based Risk assesment. Least it would give us yer former ammo to take to the HSE?

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:24 am

I'll put that in the next newsletter - excellent idea!
From my own experiences, I can probably predict the outcome as can we all but, it would be nice to do an official poll.

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:32 am

Leon - I must admit I have not seen any Task Based Risk assesment Crying or Very sad

John - I must admit I have not seen any newsletter Wink

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:41 am

Dave, you mean you haven't been getting these - example here;
http://www.guildofsecurity.co.uk/Newsletter/newsletter.html

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:06 am

No. Not since I've rejoyed, I've looked and my account says that I've subscribed to the newsletter Crying or Very sad

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:30 pm

Hi Guy's. just like to say i haven't had any news letters either ! ! ! ! ! !

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:32 pm

Ummm, no newsletter here either. Just assumed you had been too busy Rolling Eyes

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:05 pm

Sorry guys, you are right - I must try harder.
If anyone has any content they want me to put in the next newsletter, please let me know.