A message from our Chief Executive - 15 May 2020
How the SIA is responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
The challenge presented by Coronavirus has been an unprecedented one. One with tragic consequences for many individuals and their families. We must never forget that behind every story is a human being.
We know that many security officers are working on the frontline in the battle against this crisis. This week’s report on COVID-19 related deaths by occupation in England and Wales, published by ONS (the Office for National Statistics), highlights what it can mean to take on these risks and dangers. On behalf of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), I wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family and friends of all who have died, and particularly to people working in the private security industry.
While we do not know all of the stories of the 63 people identified in the ONS report, we do know that they were part of a profession that protects the public on a daily basis, and responds to the challenges presented by the current pandemic.
The ONS has pointed out that these figures are not adjusted to take account of other characteristics that might make a person vulnerable to the virus, such as ethnicity, place of residence or low pay. The ONS also states that two-thirds of the working age people who have died are men. We know from our own work that approximately 90% of SIA licence holders are men. While it might be too early to draw firm conclusions, these figures are a reminder of the importance of employers meeting their legal obligations to ensure the safety of their staff.
As you are all aware, the Prime Minister has announced the beginnings of the removal of the lock down. More people will be moving around, and more of your employees will be returning to the workplace.
The Government is clear that the responsibility for undertaking a proper risk assessment, and implementing the necessary measures, rests with the employer. We agree with this approach, because only the employer can understand the specific details on the ground. The Government has published a number of guides for those working in a variety of environments. They can be found here.
The guidance also refers to PPE (personal protection equipment) requirements. The current advice suggests that the added value from some measures is very limited outside of a clinical/medical setting. The guidance continues to highlight the overwhelming benefits of good hand hygiene, and the limited role of face coverings. We are not in a position to offer anything further to this advice, which is based on the latest available science.
As we begin to adjust to a “new normal” I believe that there are lessons we must learn from this pandemic. These are lessons for us as a regulator, and also for the industry that we regulate. Now is clearly not the time to conduct a review like this. However, when the time is right, we will consider what we have learnt, and apply changes. We will bring individuals and the industry – you – into our learning process. Your involvement, and your insights, are crucial. We will be listening. In the meantime: stay alert, control the virus and save lives.