The following measures will assist in developing a safe system of work.
- Consider the height and depth of the counter and secure staff access to the counter:
- Install screens and/or jump wires
- Increase or elevate the height of the counter
- Increase the depth of the counter
- Ensure that any access points to the counter (e.g. a gate) are substantial, properly locked at all times and the lock cannot be reached from the public side
- Ensure clear visibility at all times:
- Install good lighting around the forecourt, parking areas and inside the premises
- Ensure unobstructed vision within the premises do not obstruct the shop floor or windows with tall fixtures and fittings
- Install mirrors for areas of obscured vision
- Raise floor behind the counter, or provide a high stool, so that the cashier is elevated
- Install on-site security cameras and prominently display signs saying the premises are monitored
- Advertise that large amounts of cash aren’t kept on the premises
- Consider alternative payment options
- Pay at pump
- Pay by mobile app
- Pay at night fill window
- Alarms
- Install an under bench duress alarm, or alarm keys on the till
- Provide personal duress alarms for all staff to use when they move away from the counter
- Instruction and training
- Conduct site-specific risk assessments to identify all hazards, taking into account variations between shifts, and develop procedures based on those risk assessments
- Train staff in how to manage violent and aggressive situations (including armed hold up) on induction and provide refresher training
- Train staff in cash-handling procedures, emergency procedures and operation of security devices, and confidentiality of those procedures.
- Staffing
- Consider having two employees working during high risk periods (e.g. at opening and closing times)
- Post-incident
- Look at ways of improving the security of the premises and safety of staff
- Offer counselling to affected staff
