How can I improve my personal safety at work?

• Take time out to think about your personal safety.
• Make a list of hazardous situations where you have felt at risk, or were harmed, during the course of your work. For each occasion, ask yourself these questions:
• What happened and where? How did you react? Did you tell anyone? If not, why not?
• Could it happen again?
• What would you do next time?
• If you have suffered an abusive or violent incident at work, you should talk to someone. You might blame yourself, feel 'sorry' for your client, or work in an organisation where safety isn't taken seriously, but you should not let this stop you talking any incident over with someone.
• Tell your employer, and union safety rep if there is one.
• Panic buttons, personal alarms and self-defence training may help, but together they may not be enough. Your employer should review all your work arrangements, and take steps to prevent violence and abuse.