Safe and Well Newsletter - April
Prevent in the workplace
This edition of the LSP ‘Safe & Well’ Newsletter aims to raise your awareness of the very emotive subject of Counter Terrorism and Extremism. I think it is fair to say most of us never think it could happen to us! However, attacks in the UK and abroad remind us all of the terrorist threat we face and the risks of extremism.
It is reassuring to know the Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public, but it is also important that we all remain vigilant and aware of how to protect ourselves, our family, friends and colleagues if the need arises.
Your workplace may also have in place procedures/guidance to follow in such an emergency and I would certainly recommend you familiarise yourself with these. In the same way people plan how to respond to a fire it also makes sense to plan the response to a firearms or weapons attack.
The National Counter Terrorism policing provides advice to the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack. The police service has released a short public information film called ‘Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack’ which gives clear options on what to do if this occurs in the workplace.
The film advises those who get caught up in an incident to ‘Run, Hide and Tell’ - guidance which can be applied to any place. The intention of the film is not to unnecessarily scare the public but to ensure that they know what steps to take in the unlikely event of being involved in a firearms or weapons attack.
The level of threat is complex and ranges from lone actors’ intent on carrying out crude and violent attacks to sophisticated networks pursuing ambitious and coordinated plots - as we saw starkly demonstrated in France and other parts of the world.
If you see or hear something that could suggest a terrorist threat or extremism, even if it seems minor, trust your instincts and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) by reporting it to your line manager at work and/or the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321. A textphone service is also available for people with speech or hearing difficulties on 0800 0324539. However, if you suspect immediate danger, whether it’s suspicious behaviour, a package or a vehicle, move away and call 999.
