Energy industry statement follows Prospect’s pioneering work against violence and abuse of workers
The right of energy workers to carry out their duties free from abuse, threats and violence is the subject of a joint statement issued in September by the Energy Networks Association and Energy UK.
The statement reads:
“We will not tolerate negative behaviour, acts of aggression or threats made against workers while carrying out their duties.
We recognise this is an issue that not only undermines individuals’ health and dignity, but also has a real economic impact on companies in terms of absence from the workplace, morale and staff turnover.”
There is also a pledge by ENA, Energy UK and energy unions including Prospect, GMB, Unison and Unite to continue working to “jointly develop new resources and processes for the industry to keep people safe.”
Much of the work in this area has been led by Prospect, and in particular, Chris Warburton, the union’s health and safety research officer.
It was back in November 2022 that Prospect issued its own guidance and principles against violence and for safe working in the electricity industry.
“We produced our principles after some specific reports of violence and intimidation associated with cost of living and the climate crisis, but since then I’ve heard numerous reports from members of often quite scary incidents of violence and harassment,” says Chris.
“There’s certainly a perception that this problem is still on the rise, to the extent that it has become a fairly routine and normalised part of working in public.”
Prospect raised the issue at HESAC, the National Health and Safety Committee for the Electricity Sector, where it was agreed that a joint statement would be issued building on Prospect’s work.
The statement continues:
“While responsibility for an act of violence sits primarily with the perpetrator, employers have an important role to play in keeping you safe and providing you with support, and there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
“You should report all incidents of violence, harassment and abuse, even if you feel it may not warrant reporting. It will be taken seriously and you will be treated with dignity and fairness, and not victimised, belittled or treated less favourably as a result.
“If you ever feel in danger, stop the job and retreat to somewhere safe. Do not put yourself or others at risk.”
