SOME Merthyr Tydfil council staff say they consider abuse and violence from members of the public a normal part of their job, according to a report.
A report on the council’s draft violence and aggression policy going before the Sustainable Merthyr Tydfil scrutiny committee on Tuesday, September 16, says discussions with managers and front-line staff, as well as analysis of accident and incident data, also suggests violent incidents involving staff have been under reported.
The report has been produced following discussions with staff and their managers, particularly those in areas such as housing, where aggressive and abusive behaviour has become “almost commonplace”.
There has also been consultation and communication with the senior leadership team and trade unions and the report says there is a broad consensus on the importance of managing violence and aggression at work, with the general view being that the risks to staff are increasing and are likely to get worse.
The report says: “Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council provides services to a wide range of people. In the majority of cases, the relationship between the council and its customers is an amicable one, with most people appreciating the work that is carried out.
“However, staff can sometimes be faced with aggressive, hostile or even violent individuals and can feel vulnerable or unsafe whilst doing their job.
“The council recognises the damaging effect on an employee’s well-being from all categories of abuse, aggression and violence, and considers such behaviour to be completely unacceptable.
“Currently, the threat of violence and aggression is assessed by managers via their general risk assessments.
“However, it is acknowledged that a dedicated policy is needed to ensure consistency across service areas, as well as to highlight the importance of managing violence and aggression at work.”
A draft policy on violence and aggression at work has been prepared and consulted on, with the aim of it going to full council in October.
The general statement of policy says the council has a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to minimise the risk of violence to all employees, so far as is reasonably practicable.
It says the council will carry out risk assessments which include the likelihood of violence occurring, make any necessary, physical changes to its working environments, review working practices to ensure they remain effective at managing the risk of violence and provide training and information to staff at risk.
The council says: “We want all staff to feel safe whilst they are at work and to know that the council regards any abuse, threats or assaults to its staff as completely unacceptable.”
