Protecting bus and coach crews: A quick reference guide.

A quick reference guide for bus and coach staff

Those who serve the travelling public are entitled to perform their work in safety and without abuse.

This leaflet contains practical advice on how staff can reduce the risk of violence and anti-social behaviour on buses and coaches.

Violence at work

Being subjected to violence and anti-social behaviour at work is unacceptable.

It can take many forms, including verbal abuse and threats as well as spitting and physical assaults. Even minor cases can cause shock and stress, the effects of which may not appear until several weeks later. Severe cases can require hospital treatment and time off work. This in turn can lead to staff shortages, putting pressure on remaining staff.

Who is responsible for tackling bus and coach crime?

There are many practical, simple and cost effective measures to reduce the risks of violence, abuse and criminal damage.

Bus and coach operators, staff (with guidance from their employer), local authorities, the police and local community groups can all help.

It's crucial to acknowledge that a problem exists. Communication between staff, managers and trade union representatives can help to establish how serious and widespread the problem is and can contribute towards finding solutions.

If an incident does occur, staff should not take unnecessary risks and follow recognised safety procedures.

Seven steps for bus and coach staff

Here are seven practical steps which you can take to reduce the risk of violence and abuse.

1. If you are verbally abused, keep calm and try to defuse the situation.
2. Do not get out of the cab to deal with incidents unless you are absolutely sure that it is safe for you to do so.
3. If it is not possible to calm the situation, get help, either by panic alarm, two way radio or mobile phone.
4. Follow company procedures at all times. Take advantage of any training that is offered in how to deal with potentially threatening situations and be familiar with written guidance and instructions.
5. If a passenger causes trouble, remember that you have the power under the conduct regulations to ask them to leave. But you must use this power sensitively and in line with company policy. It may be better to ask for help by using a two-way radio system or panic alarm.
6. Always report incidents in writing to management and to your union representatives and do so as soon as you can.
7. Tell management and union representatives about any general concerns regarding safety, and suggest improvements.

Further information :

The booklet, Protecting Bus and Coach Crews - A Practical Guide for Bus and Coach Operators and Staff offers further advice on how to reduce the risks of violence, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

It also provides advice on what to do if someone has been assaulted at work.

Free paper copies are available from DfT Free Literature. Call 0870 1226 236 or e-mail: dft@twoten.press.net quoting ref: 03LTPSF 01777/L

Victim support schemes operate in many areas and may be able to provide help. Your local police station can advise you of your nearest one.

The Victim Supportline is open every day. Call 0845 30 30 900. Alternatively, you can write to Victim Supportline, PO Box 11431, London SW9 6ZH.