Posted By Paul Durkin It's Friday so here goes, Our home-care workers are requesting Hi-Viz waistcoats so that they can be seen when they go on their long walks car-house etc. Now with the increased incidence of knife crime I can see requests for stab vests. Are these mutually exclusive i.e. if you are not seen then no need for either? Or should we consider both? Regards, Paul

Posted By DavidW I'd Agree with the earlier posting re the decisions people may make. Also consider the practicalties, Hi Viz vests are small, light and easily stored. Stab vests are bulky and heavy and most need to be stored correctly or there effectiveness can be significantly reduced. They are not at all comfortable to work in, especially in hot weather. I'd suggets that if it's not done already then extra training in conflict resolution and situation awareness together with an approach of giving an attacker what they ask for (money, drugs etc) would be more beneficial than stab vests.

Posted By D H This should be down to assessment of the people who are being visited and the areas that your workers are going into. The clients should be assessed by the care managers and by your staff and anything untoward should be reported and investigated. The areas should be assessed and if in doubt, don't put your people in. We need to watch that we do not over react. Remember "stab vests" are PPE and should be a last resort. I doubt your people are paid enough to put themselves in as much danger that stab protection is required. Dave

Posted By MP If Jaqui Smith needed a stab vest when strolling in Hackney with two burly local policemen plus her armed protection officers......