Who this section is for
If you are aware of a member of the public that may pose a risk to a member of staff or councillor who may visit or interact with them as part of their job, a warning marker can be placed against them. This section provides guidance on:
What a warning marker is
A warning marker is an internal alert placed against an individual to show that they may pose a risk to staff who visit them in a professional capacity.
It records the:
- individual's name and address or addresses
- nature of the risk
- control measures that all visiting staff must follow.
Each warning marker is given a unique reference number when it is issued.
All warning markers are stored in a central database managed by the occupational health and safety team (OHST). Your service systems will also identify warning markers against individuals.
Why this matters
Your safety at work is important to us. When you visit a property as part of your role, you should be able to do so with confidence.
The warning marker system means that risks are recorded, reviewed, and shared in a consistent way across the council. It helps make sure that no one visits a property without the information they need to stay safe.
If a warning marker is in place, you will know about it before you go. You will also know exactly what steps to take to protect yourself.
Warning marker guidance
The council has a legal duty to keep you safe at work. This is set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
This duty covers everyone who works in the community, whether alone or as part of a team, and includes situations where you may come into contact with individuals who could pose a risk to your safety or the safety of your colleagues.
Our warning marker guidance explains how we meet that duty and the responsibilities of staff, managers and elected members.