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Inspired by Conflict Resolution Day which falls this week, we take a look at how de-escalation techniques can be used to diffuse potentially threatening situations and what to remember should you find yourself in these circumstances.
Observed in October each year, Conflict Resolution Day is a global event which aims to promote the concept of peaceful resolution and non-violent methods people can use to settle disagreements and conflict.
These techniques are life skills that can be applied in many different scenarios. However they’re especially useful when dealing with aggressive behaviour in the workplace; from an aggrieved customer for instance.
Conflict resolution strategies
There are five main ways that a conflict can be resolved, it’s important to consider which outcome would be most appropriate given the situation:
Competing – one person ‘wins’ the argument.
Collaboration – where both parties find a solution that is agreeable to all.
Compromise – both parties give some ground and find a solution that meets halfway.
Withdrawing – avoiding the conflict, either completely or temporarily.
Smoothing – when situation is calmed down, although both parties still disagree
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has reported that an increase in organisations using accredited lone worker devices is reducing unnecessary police call outs to false alarms, resulting in an estimated £60m of savings over the past 12 months.
Taking the Metropolitan Police Service as an example, responding to a false alarm typically costs taxpayers around £150. The use of BS 8484 accredited systems enables ARCs to filter out the majority of false alarms; ARC Controllers only pass on those incidents that genuinely require a police response and do so using Unique Reference Numbers, which provide a direct link to police control rooms.
This not only saves valuable police resources and taxpayer’s money, but also enables an effective response to potentially life-threatening situations.
Chairman of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section, Will Murray of Send For Help Group spoke of the importance of BS 8484 accredited lone worker systems in improving efficiency and cost savings.
Will explains: “At a time when security concerns, health and safety and police budget cuts are prevalent, the use of BS 8484 accredited
Skyguard’s parent company, Send For Help, have been featured by the UK’s best-selling nursing journal, Nursing Standard, in a piece highlighting how recent legislation changes are only the first step in protecting NHS staff from violence.
In light of The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill coming into effect in England and Wales next month, the article discusses the measures that should be adopted to safeguard vulnerable NHS workers, especially those working by themselves.
An investigation undertaken by Nursing Standard revealed that there were 1,544 assaults against nursing staff working alone in England between 2015-17.
Director, Will Murray, is quoted on his view that personal safety devices should be part of a standard kit for lone workers:
He says, ‘In the same way that someone who works on a construction site isn’t allowed on a building site unless they’ve got a hard hat, high-vis vest and steel-cap boots, we consider high-risk individuals should carry a personal safety device.’
Currently Send For Help provide lone worker safety services to over
As the days get shorter it’s important to think about your personal safety when you’re out and about.
At this time of year we’re starting to see the effect of the changing seasons on our journeys to and from work in particular, with many of us noticing the darker mornings and shorter evenings.
We’ve produced a quick reference guide with some top safety tips that you should bear in mind when travelling at night.
1. Let People Know Where You Are
Before you go out tell someone where you are planning to go and roughly when you expect to come back.
2. Avoid Walking Alone
Remember there is safety in numbers, so if possible try to stay with a group of friends.
3. Be Confident and Alert
Walk with purpose and be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Don’t wear earphones.
4. Keep Expensive Items Out of Sight
Valuable items such as mobile phones or jewellery can make you a target for thieves, make sure these are safely tucked
Join Skyguard next month at Health & Safety North as we exhibit the latest innovations in lone worker safety.
From 9th-10th October we’ll be in Manchester demonstrating our range of lone worker safety apps and devices, providing specialist advice and giving you the opportunity to sign up for a free 30-day trial.
When and Where is it?
Health and Safety North is located at EventCity in Manchester on 9th-10th October.
Doors open at 9am, here’s how to get there.
Why Attend?
The exhibition has been specially developed for health and safety professionals from businesses throughout the north and beyond. It provides a platform for the safety community to come together and share ideas, through networking sessions, debates, Q&As and interactive panel discussions.
With 200 exhibitors and 36 hours of free specially-selected content from 56 industry speakers – there’s plenty on offer over the course of the two-day event.
Don’t Forget to Visit us at Stand
