COG11525 - Our Conduct and Behaviour: personal safety: introduction

Personal safety is of paramount importance, especially when working out of the office. 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 and record visits in Outlook
• consider whether to carry out the visit alone or accompanied by one or more colleagues, see COG11450 
• withdraw from any potentially dangerous situation, for example if there is verbal abuse or the threat of physical abuse or the premises are unsafe
• immediately report any incident to your manager.

To prevent problems arising when dealing with the public

• avoid being drawn into arguments
• consider carrying an office mobile phone or personal alarm where these are available.

For further advice on personal safety, see ‘about you’ on the Intranet.