• What do police do?
• What are some health and safety issues for police?
• What are some preventive measures for police?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What do police do?

Police officers, law enforcement officers, security officers and people in related positions may be called to any number of work environments, and perform a variety of tasks.

The main duties of a police officer, among others, are to:

• Respond to emergency calls such as crimes, accidents, and natural disasters
• Patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety
• Enforce laws and regulations
• Investigate crimes and accidents
• Perform first aid
• Educate the public on crime prevention and safety

What are some health and safety issues for police?

Police work is among the most dangerous and requires special training. The hazards of police work include:

• Violent attacks
• Exposure to contagious and infectious diseases from people, animals, needles, and other sources
• Exposure to various chemical or biological hazards
• Pain from physical overexertion, and prolonged or awkward body postures
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Noise
• Slips, trips and falls
• Fatigue from shift work
• Psychological stress or trauma

What are some preventive measures for police?

• Have extensive safety and skills training.
• Exercise regularly to keep fit and reduce the risk of injury.
• Wash your hands frequently, to reduce the chance of infection.
• Use personal protective equipment or others barriers for the task.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, and on the alert for dangerous people or situations.
• Take breaks, as appropriate, from awkward positions or repetitive physical tasks.
• Follow a recommended shift work pattern and protect yourself from the hazards associated with shift work.
• Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
• Learn about stress and post-traumatic stress, and consider a debriefing session or counselling after a critical or traumatic event.

What are some good general safe work practices?

Ensure that you are trained and informed on how to avoid the various health and safety hazards of your job. Read about these:

• Chemical hazards and WHMIS
• Blood borne diseases
• The importance of hand washing
• Needlestick injuries
• Proper selection, use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment
• Safe lifting techniques
• Preventing slips, trips and falls
• Shift work
• Working alone

Always:

• Follow the established safety procedures for your profession.
• Know how to report a hazard
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

Want more information?

Document last updated on August 27, 2004

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