CH255505 - How to do a compliance check: using inspection powers: during a visit: personal safety

Personal safety is of paramount importance, especially when working away from the office at business premises. You should

• ensure you are familiar with your team’s risk-assessment and safe working practice,
• ask about and observe the health and safety requirements of the premises being visited,
• exercise care and forethought to avoid placing yourself at risk,
• tell colleagues where you are visiting,
• withdraw from any potentially dangerous situation for example, if there is verbal abuse or the threat of physical abuse or the premises are unsafe and
• immediately report any incident.

To prevent problems arising when dealing with the public

• avoid being drawn into arguments
• consider carrying a mobile phone
• consider carrying a personal alarm.

For further advice on personal safety go to the Intranet home page> About you> Health and safety.

For further advice on the health and safety of the customer, see COG11400.