Working when it is dark or working alone

Retail employees are most vulnerable when it is dark outside and potential offenders can use darkness as their cover.

Special attention must also be given to retail employees who work alone either during the night or day.

Ensure that the retail workplace at night is staffed by at least two employees at any time (who close up and leave together)
Where someone must work alone, employ someone over 18 years of age
Install additional security measures such as an alarm button and a personal duress alarm. These alarms can be audible (to deter an offender) or silent (monitored by an accredited security monitoring station)
Provide additional external lighting, especially around the entrance and car park
Employ professional security services to offer a presence during certain trading hours, to conduct random patrols of the workplace or to escort employees to their vehicles at the end of the shift
Display signs advising that the workplace is security monitored or patrolled
Establish emergency procedures and train staff in appropriate behaviour
Provide a secure location for a lone employee. This area should be lit and ventilated, with an emergency exit. The door should be self latching, fast closing and opened only from the inside. The area should have an independent communication link programmed with emergency numbers
Encourage other night workers such as taxi drivers to visit the workplace regularly

Last updated 21 August 2008

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