As the private security industry faces London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games demand, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) reports that members are protecting employees from the increased health and safety risks brought about by longer working hours. Members of the association’s Security Guarding section have adopted a single policy relating to the management of employees during Games time, a move which provides added protection to security officers working during this busy period and reinforces association members’ commitment to employee welfare.
The development of this policy follows years of research into the impact of the Games on the private security industry, which has identified the increased risk of service failure due to staff taking on extra, part-time work.
Trevor Elliott, Director of Manpower and Membership Services at the BSIA, says: “Given the opportunity for extra shifts, there is a risk that staff might be tempted to work excessively, breaching the Working Time Directive and Department of Health and Safety Guidelines. Such actions could leave them too tired to perform effectively, creating an obvious risk to their own health and safety. The BSIA policy confirms that employees of member companies will sign a statement to declare that they are not employed by, nor will work for, any other company unless both employment and the shifts worked are declared.”
The BSIA has already provided guidance to members on steps to be taken in planning for the Olympics, and this latest development demonstrates a commitment to the health and safety of staff, and their ability to deliver high-quality customer service, regardless of high demand.
Stuart Lowden, chairman of the BSIA’s Security Guarding section, pictured, adds: “The additional pressures placed on private security by this summer’s celebrations place an added risk to our employees’ health and safety. The development of this single policy enables us as an association to formally pledge our commitment to maintaining excellent levels of service and staff welfare during a challenging time.”
With Lord Prescott calling upon the Home Secretary to hold an enquiry into the conditions of employment of security companies following an incident involving a non-BSIA member company during the Queen’s Jubilee, the issue of employee welfare for security officers is, the association adds, in the spotlight. To find out more about the work of the BSIA, its Security Guarding section, and preparations for London 2012, visit www.bsia.co.uk
