H&S: PROTECTING THOSE WHO PROTECT US

The provision of PPE in prisons must not be an afterthought, says HMP Send’s Gary Milsom-James

Every day, prison officers’ step into environments fraught with unpredictability. They maintain order, ensure safety, and uphold justice within some of the most challenging workplaces in Europe. Yet, despite the demanding nature of their role, one fundamental aspect of workplace safety – personal protective equipment (PPE) – often remains overlooked.

THE EMPLOYER’S DUTY

Under UK health and safety legislation, employers have an unequivocal duty to provide appropriate PPE to all workers facing occupational hazards. The Prison Officers Association (POA) has long championed this obligation, arguing that prison staff must be equipped with the necessary protective gear to reduce risks and safeguard their wellbeing.

From stab-resistant vests to reinforced gloves, PPE plays a crucial role in shielding officers from physical harm, preventing exposure to dangerous substances, and ensuring they can perform their duties with confidence. The provision and maintenance of such equipment should be a fundamental priority, not an afterthought.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECT

A failure to supply adequate PPE can lead to increased stress levels, long-term health issues and serious injuries among officers. Recent reports indicate that assaults against prison staff are on the rise – and becoming more severe, reinforcing the necessity of effective protective gear.

The lack of proper PPE is not just a matter of personal risk; it has wider implications, affecting workforce morale, retention rates, and institutional stability.

The POA has repeatedly called for standardised PPE policies across UK prisons, ensuring that officers receive high-quality gear that is fit for purpose. It is not enough for employers to simply distribute protective equipment; they must also uphold its upkeep, replacing worn-out gear and guaranteeing that every officer has access to functional, well-maintained equipment.

STANDING TOGETHER FOR CHANGE

As a trade union dedicated to protecting prison officers, the POA urges policymakers and prison administrators to take proactive measures. Investment in PPE is not an optional expenditure; it is a necessary commitment to those who risk their safety on a daily basis.

SPONTANEOUS PROTECTION ENABLING ACCELERATED RESPONSE (SPEAR)

SPEAR is the personal safety package for HMPPS staff. It’s based on the body’s natural flinch reaction when faced with danger.

SPEAR training focuses on pre-contact cues to give staff greater awareness of their surroundings and presumed compliance, while also looking at non-violent postures.

Training around pre-contact cues will help staff in their day-to-day tasks, not just when using force. The training is non-gender, age, size and strength specific and, therefore, can enable all.

Since the rollout of SPEAR, there have been several injuries to members and other colleagues during refresher training. It is important to ensure that personal protective equipment is used where there is a risk of injury.

We must challenge complacency. PPE is not a luxury, nor should it be a privilege. It is a right. Every prison officer deserves the assurance that they are adequately protected, allowing them to perform their duties without unnecessary risk.

Through collective action, informed advocacy, and unwavering determination, we can ensure that personal protective equipment is prioritised in prison settings. The POA stands firm: safety should never be compromised. The time to act is now.