Safety support

 

1. Stay Calm and Safe

• Keep yourself and others safe first.

• Do not argue or escalate the situation.

• Use a calm voice and give space.

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2. Recognize the Signs

Challenging behavior may include:

• Aggression (shouting, hitting, threatening)

• Withdrawal or shutting down

• Property destruction

• Self-injury

• Refusal to follow instructions

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3. Immediate Safeguarding Steps

• Remove others from the area if possible.

• Give the person space (don’t crowd them).

• Do not restrain unless trained and it is the last resort to prevent harm.

• Stay professional – avoid taking behavior personally.

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4. Who to Call for Help

• Manager / Supervisor → first point of contact.

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) (if your workplace has one).

• On-site security team (if available).

• Emergency services (911 in U.S. / 999 in U.K.) → if there is immediate danger to life or safety.

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5. After the Incident

• Report the event in the workplace incident log.

• Contact HR / Occupational Health for support.

• Arrange a debrief so staff and the individual can reflect safely.

• Offer mental health support (Employee Assistance Program, counseling, crisis line).

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6. Prevention and Support

• Encourage early conversations about stress and mental health.

• Provide Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace.

• Use Positive Behavior Support and clear communication strategies.

• Make sure policies and safeguarding procedures are visible to all staff.

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📞 Useful Numbers (U.S. Example)

• Emergency Services: 911

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

• Local Mental Health Crisis Team: (add workplace/local contact here)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): (add number here)

(For U.K. – replace with 999, NHS 111, Samaritans 116 123, local safeguarding board contact.)

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✅ Key Message:
Safeguarding is about protecting everyone’s safety and dignity. Stay calm, follow workplace procedures, and get help quickly when needed.