When is disciplinary action likely to be taken against staff?

Disciplinary action is likely to be taken against staff if they did not exhaust all verbal interventions before resorting to physical intervention. This approach emphasizes the importance of de-escalation strategies and the responsibility of staff to prioritize verbal means of conflict resolution in potentially volatile situations. The expectation is that staff should utilize all appropriate verbal techniques to try to calm a situation before moving to physical restraint or intervention. Failure to follow this protocol indicates a disregard for established guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of both the individuals involved and the staff members.

In situations where verbal intervention could have been employed, bypassing these steps can lead to unnecessary escalation, which can have serious consequences for the individuals involved and for the working environment. Adhering to the procedures around verbal interventions is essential, as it aligns with best practices in managing challenging behaviors in a respectful and non-aggressive manner. Therefore, staff are expected to demonstrate their ability to effectively use verbal interventions before considering physical action, making it clear why disciplinary measures would be warranted in scenarios where this expectation is not met.