29 Mar Personal Safety In Public Places

Personal Safety in Public Places

Everyday activities such as commuting, traveling between jobsites, walking through parking areas, and interacting with the public can expose employees to personal safety risks. People, traffic, surroundings, and unexpected events can be unpredictable.

You cannot eliminate every risk, but you can reduce your exposure by staying alert, planning ahead, and avoiding situations that unnecessarily place you in danger.

Maintain Situational Awareness

One of your most effective personal safety tools is awareness of your surroundings.

• Pay attention to people, vehicles, and activity around you.
• Avoid distractions that significantly reduce your ability to see or hear what is happening.
• Identify exits and safe locations when entering unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas when practical.
• Trust warning signs that a situation may be unsafe and leave the area when possible.
• Do not allow politeness or concern about offending someone to keep you in a situation that feels threatening.

If conditions change or something does not appear right, reassess the situation before proceeding.

Plan Before You Leave

Employees who travel, work alone, or perform duties away from their normal workplace should follow applicable company communication and check-in procedures.

Before leaving:

• Let an appropriate person know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Plan your route in advance.
• Keep your phone or other communication equipment available and adequately charged.
• Know how to contact your supervisor, security personnel, or emergency services.
• Consider weather, traffic, and other conditions that could affect your trip.
• Follow established lone-worker or field-work procedures when applicable.

If your plans or location change significantly, notify the appropriate person.

Parking Lot and Vehicle Safety

Parking areas can present both traffic and personal-security hazards.

When approaching your vehicle:

• Have your keys or access device ready.
• Remain alert rather than concentrating on your phone.
• Look around the vehicle before approaching.
• Check inside the vehicle before entering when appropriate.
• Park in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible.
• Lock doors after entering the vehicle.
• Avoid remaining unnecessarily in an isolated parked vehicle.
• If you believe someone is following you, do not drive home; proceed to a safe, populated location or contact law enforcement.

Do not approach suspicious persons or situations simply to investigate.

Walking in Public Areas

When walking between locations:

• Use designated sidewalks and pedestrian routes whenever available.
• Cross streets at designated crossings when practical.
• Watch for turning and backing vehicles.
• Avoid shortcuts through isolated or unfamiliar areas.
• Keep valuables and electronic devices reasonably secure and out of unnecessary view.
• Avoid headphones or other distractions when they prevent you from recognizing approaching traffic, people, alarms, or other hazards.
• Walk with coworkers or others when conditions warrant additional security.

When walking near roadways, follow applicable pedestrian rules and use designated pedestrian facilities whenever they are available.

Working With the Public

Employees who interact with customers, clients, or members of the public should maintain awareness of changing behavior and surroundings.

If someone becomes angry, threatening, or aggressive:

• Remain calm and avoid escalating the confrontation.
• Maintain appropriate personal space.
• Keep a clear path to an exit.
• Move toward a secure or populated area when possible.
• Seek assistance from coworkers, supervisors, or security personnel.
• Leave the area when you believe your safety is threatened.
• Report threats, harassment, stalking, or suspicious behavior according to company procedures.

Do not unnecessarily confront or pursue a threatening person.

If You Are Threatened or Attacked

There is no single response appropriate for every threatening situation. Your priority should be getting away from the danger and reaching a safe location.

When possible:

• Create distance from the threat.
• Move toward an exit, populated area, or secure location.
• Call for assistance when it is safe to do so.
• Contact emergency services when immediate danger exists.
• Do not pursue an attacker who leaves the area.
• Give up property rather than unnecessarily risking serious injury to protect replaceable belongings.
• Use physical resistance only when necessary to protect yourself or another person from immediate harm and consistent with applicable law and company policy.

Once safe, report the incident and obtain medical attention when necessary.

Emergency Preparedness

Think in advance about how you would respond to emergencies such as:

• Vehicle accidents.
• Severe weather.
• Earthquakes or other natural disasters.
• Medical emergencies.
• Workplace violence.
• Suspicious activity.
• Being stranded while traveling or performing field work.

Know how you will communicate with your employer and family if normal communication systems are disrupted. Planning ahead can help you make better decisions during an emergency.

Remember

Personal safety begins with awareness and preparation. Stay alert, plan your travel, avoid unnecessary confrontation, maintain an escape route, and leave situations that appear unsafe. Property can be replaced—your safety cannot.