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Workplace health and safety

Home > Workplace health and safety > Subject index A-Z > Personal security in the retail industry > Risk factors and ways to address them > Surviving a robbery – and afterwards

Surviving a robbery – and afterwards

The priority is to survive a robbery or violent incident in the workplace.

Everyone who works in the retail industry should be trained in the following survival rules.

Survive a robbery

  1. Follow instructions - do exactly what the offender says (no more, no less)
  2. Stay calm and quiet
  3. Avoid eye contact
  4. Do not make sudden movements
  5. Remain inside the workplace - do not chase the offender
  6. Show your hands - if you must move, keep your hands where the offender can see them. Advise the offender what you are doing before you move
  7. Do not attack the offender
  8. Take mental notes - if it is safe to do so, note as much as you can about the offender (e.g. height, hair and eye colour, physical condition, special marks or tattoos)

After a robbery

After a robbery or violent incident, follow these steps:

If you are the person in charge:

  1. Call for prompt medical help for injured victims
  2. Raise the alarm when it is safe to do so
  3. Close the premises
  4. Notify the employer (if not on site)
  5. Prepare an incident report

If you are an employer:

  1. Notify the police (if not already called)
  2. Arrange counselling for victims to deal with post traumatic stress (symptoms include increased heart rate, insomnia, muscle tension, hypersensitivity, fear of returning to work, depression, grief, guilt and anxiety)
  3. Notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland if the incident results in serious injury or illness
  4. Comply with Workcover notification requirements

For more information, read the Guide to Personal Security in the Retail Industry (PDF, 434 KB).

Last updated 21 August 2008