Our Golden Rules of Safety

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Our Golden Rules of Safety

Safety is our top priority. Our Golden Rules of Safety are a set of clear and straightforward behaviors designed to prevent serious incidents and ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day. These rules are applicable across all regions, service lines, and at all times while working for G4S.

Our Golden Rules are more than guidelines – they are a commitment to a safer workplace. Every G4S employee is responsible for:

Following the Golden Rules at all times,
Taking action and intervening when they see the rules are not being followed, and
Reporting any safety breaches immediately.

These rules are universal and remain consistent, independent of local regulations or specific customer requirements, ensuring the highest standard of safety across our operations worldwide. By adhering to these Golden Rules, we reinforce our commitment to keeping our people safe and secure.

General Rules

The general rules apply to all roles and people in G4S. They are not specific to geography, service provision or risk.

Always follow your assignment instructions & procedures

Site instructions and procedures contain the output of risk assessments, they are there to ensure consistent and safe delivery. They are non-negotiable expectations and as such there are consequences to not following them. It is essential that the enforcement of these are persistent and consistent, not just after a breach has been identified as part of an incident investigation.

Report all incidents, as well as unsafe acts & conditions

Incidents provide us with the opportunity to learn how we can make our operation safer. Unsafe acts are behaviors we need to understand to be able to prevent them. Unsafe conditions are things that need to be made safe, they can only be made safe if the right people know about them. The more we report - the safer we will be.

Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is something everyone is familiar with, it is often visible so it gets attention easily in site checks and audits, it is easily understood and often the aspect that everyone can understand. In isolation, PPE is straightforward, however it should always be considered in the context of wider controls.

Do not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can impair judgement, reaction times and co-ordination which clearly have an impact on the ability to work safely.

Road Safety Rules

Travel by Road is the highest risk activity that most G4S employees undertake, there are five rules that cover travel by road. These apply at all times and to all occupants of G4S vehicles. They apply to all G4S employees while travelling for work, regardless of whether the vehicles is owned or operated by G4S or not.

Check your vehicle before driving

Always ensure that your vehicle is in good condition before driving. A formal checklist and process may be in place, covering windscreen, lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, seat belts, door latches and fluid levels.

Always wear seatbelt

Seat belts significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. You must never travel in vehicles that does not have a seat belt fitted. Seat belts should, where possible be three point seat belts.

Take the required breaks when driving

Tiredness and fatigue are key factors in decision making and reaction times. G4S defines break requirements through risk assessment. These are the absolute minimum, if the road or traffic conditions are having a greater impact then you must take breaks that keep you in a safe state to drive. It is better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.

Do not speed

Speed is a key factor in many road traffic incidents, influencing both cause and severity. Do not speed means:

Do no not exceed the specified legal speed limits for the road and vehicle type.
Do not exceed the specified limits set by G4S or customer policies and procedures.
Do not drive at speeds that are unsafe for the road or traffic conditions.
Do not drive at speeds that are unsafe for the vehicle type.
Do not drive at speeds that are unsafe for your skill level or experience.

Never use a handheld mobile telephone whilst driving

Distraction is a common source of road traffic incidents. Using a handheld device whilst driving is both physically and mentally distracting.

Specialist Rules

Some G4S operations have tasks that require specialist rules. These 3 rules reflect the extent of the risk posed by entering confined spaces, riding motorcycles and handling firearms.

Treat every fire arm as loaded

Firearms are a common and necessary tool in our industry, however they present a significant risk when not handled correctly or by people who are not appropriately trained. All firearms must be treated as loaded at all times, meaning that:

They must only be handled, inspected, transported or used by people who are appropriately trained.
Be stored/carried appropriately.
Must not be left attended or unsecured when not in use.
Must not be pointed at anyone outside of G4S use of force guidelines.

Obtain authorization before entering a confined space

Confined spaces can present a number of hazards and must only be entered:

By people with specific training.
When there is a defined emergency procedure.
When the work is necessary.
When the work is approved and covered by a safe method.
When it is authorized by the person responsible for safety on the site.

Always wear a helmet & high visibility jacket when riding a motorcycle

Riders of motorcycles are vulnerable in the event of an accident as there is no protection provided by the vehicle. High Visibility clothing increases the likelihood of the rider being seen, both on the motorcycle and when getting to / from and on /off the motorcycle. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. To be effective helmets must be:

Of appropriate design and construction.
Correctly fitted to the rider.
Worn with the chin strap secured.
Stored in a safe and appropriate place when not being worn.
Replaced when damaged, worn out or in line with manufacturers recommendations or legal requirements.