Ensuring Staff Safety in High-Risk Environments
Field staff on occasion find themselves in challenging situations, from dealing with aggressive people to facing potential physical threats while out in the field. A spokesperson highlighted the unpredictability of these encounters:
"The most unpredictable risk is people. Our staff will see a person approaching them while out on a job, and they have got no idea what's going on in their head."
This uncertainty, coupled with the inherent dangers of working in environments like confined spaces or around biological hazards, underscored the need for a robust training program that could equip their staff with the necessary skills to manage these risks effectively.
Tailored Training Programs by RISQ
Recognising the diverse needs of their workforce, RISQ developed a series of tailored training programs designed to address specific challenges faced by different teams within the organisation. The training covered a broad spectrum, from personal safety and conflict resolution for customer-facing staff to more specialised training for those working in high-risk environments.
One of the key successes of this partnership was RISQ’s ability to adapt their training to different learning styles.
“We had one type of training for the field staff, and another type of training for our customer team. For our field staff the team at RISQ saw a need for the format of the training to be more hands-on, and our field staff loved it."
This flexibility ensured that the training was not only relevant but also engaging for all participants, leading to better retention and application of the skills learned.
Enhanced Confidence and Safety
The impact of RISQ’s training on their staff has been profound. Employees across the organisation have reported increased confidence in handling potentially dangerous situations, sharing examples of this newfound confidence in staff.
"I’ve had five different people come up to me and say things like, ‘I had the courage to talk to this person on the lift and ask them what they were doing here.' This is the kind of confidence we want to instil in our staff."
Moreover, the training has provided staff with practical strategies to enhance their safety in the field. One notable example involved field staff who, after undergoing RISQ’s training, began to approach their work with a heightened awareness of their surroundings.
"Now, when they’re out in the field, they think more carefully about where they park, how they park, and what they would do if a situation arises. We’ve had instances where staff have strategically parked their vehicles to ensure a quick exit if needed. This kind of proactive thinking and planning is a direct result of the training, and it’s made a real difference in their confidence and safety."
Seamless Delivery and Ongoing Support
The collaboration has been marked by seamless communication and support.
“Dealing with RISQ to organise things is seamless. The feedback we get from these sessions has been instrumental in helping us refine and update our safety protocols”.
The partnership between both organisations has proven to be a critical component in enhancing the safety and confidence of their staff. By providing tailored, practical training, RISQ has helped them to build a more resilient workforce capable of handling the unpredictable challenges they face daily. As their organisation continues to evolve, this partnership is set to play an ongoing role in maintaining the highest standards of safety and conflict management across their organisation.
As their spokesperson succinctly put it,
"We’re sold on RISQ. The organisation and delivery of training are pretty seamless, and their trainers, I really can’t fault them."
