Martyn's Law: Understanding Your Obligations and the Vital Role of Health and Safety Professionals
The tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 underscored the vulnerability of public spaces to terrorist attacks. In response, the UK government is introducing Martyn's Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill), a landmark piece of legislation aimed at enhancing security at public venues and events.
This new law, a key topic at the recent EBIS Health and Safety Law Update conference, places specific legal obligations on venues depending on their capacity. However, its core message of proactive security management resonates with all workplaces, regardless of size.
Understanding Your Obligations Under Martyn's Law
The law establishes two tiers of responsibility:
Standard Tier (capacity of 200-799): Venues in this tier must:
Conduct a risk assessment: Identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop a security plan: Implement basic, proportionate measures to mitigate risks, such as staff training, information sharing, and having a clear security policy.
Enhanced Tier (capacity of 800+): Venues in this tier have more rigorous requirements:
Conduct a more detailed risk assessment: Considering a wider range of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop a comprehensive security plan: Implement more robust measures, potentially including physical security upgrades, enhanced staff training, and more detailed incident response procedures.
Why Should Smaller Workplaces Care?
Even if your workplace falls below the 200-person threshold, the principles of Martyn's Law are highly relevant. Every employer has a duty of care to ensure the safety and security of their employees and anyone visiting their premises. Threats like workplace violence, intrusion, and other security incidents can occur in any setting, regardless of size.
The Expanding Role of Health and Safety Professionals
Martyn's Law blurs the lines between traditional health and safety and security management. This presents an opportunity for health and safety professionals to step up and play a more prominent role in protecting people and businesses.
Here's how we can contribute:
Risk Assessment Expertise: We possess the skills and knowledge to identify and assess a wide range of hazards, including security threats. We can lead or contribute to comprehensive risk assessments that consider factors like location, building design, clientele, and potential vulnerabilities.
Emergency Planning: We are experienced in developing and implementing emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, lockdown procedures, and communication protocols. We can work with security teams to ensure robust plans are in place for various scenarios.
Training and Awareness: We can play a vital role in training staff on security awareness, incident response, and first aid. This empowers employees to identify suspicious behaviour, report concerns, and take appropriate action in an emergency.
Collaboration: We can act as a bridge between health and safety and security functions, fostering a collaborative approach to protecting everyone in the workplace. This includes working with security personnel, management, and employees to ensure a cohesive and effective security strategy.
Vulnerability Assessments: We can contribute to identifying vulnerable individuals and groups within the workplace and develop specific measures to ensure their safety in an emergency.
Post-Incident Support: We can play a key role in providing support and guidance to staff following a security incident, including access to counselling and mental health resources.
A Call to Action
Martyn's Law is a catalyst for change. It's a reminder that security is a collective responsibility, and health and safety professionals have a vital role to play.
By embracing the principles of this legislation and actively engaging in security management, we can contribute to creating safer workplaces for everyone.
Need Help? Our Consultancy Services Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of Martyn's Law and implementing effective security measures can be challenging. Our consultancy services can provide expert guidance and support to help your organisation:
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments
Develop robust security plans
Deliver tailored staff training programmes
Implement effective security measures
Ensure compliance with Martyn's Law
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a safer and more secure workplace.
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Image credit: Photo by Luis Quintero