Our employees should never be threatened, intimidated or assaulted - let’s stop the abuse

Imagine going to work every day knowing you might be shouted at, threatened, or even assaulted. For our highways crews, this is becoming a reality.

Ben, a Dorset Council construction supervisor told us how he feels. He said:

“I’ve worked for the council for 21 years and I’m proud of the projects I’ve helped deliver. I like making a difference in the county I live in.

“But the worst part is that we’ve started to normalise abuse. We come to work almost expecting to be shouted at or told what we do is worthless, and that’s not a nice place to be.

“I sometimes see my colleagues receive abuse from the public, verbally and even physically. It’s unsettling to see not just colleagues, but friends, going through that.

“People can be very aggressive, loud and confrontational. I can’t imagine going into someone else’s place of work and telling them what they did was worthless and a waste of money.

“I want the public to understand there are repercussions to the way the talk to us, and it is unacceptable.”

Hear more from Ben

People like Ben and his team fix our roads, keep us safe, and work in all weathers to maintain the infrastructure we all rely on.  

We have launched a new campaign to tackle this unacceptable behaviour and remind everyone that abuse is never okay.

Highways work is part of everyday life, from fixing potholes to delivering major infrastructure improvements. While this can sometimes cause delays for motorists, most drivers are patient and understanding. Sadly, some take out their frustration on the very people doing the work.

Allowing highways workers to do their job without interference means projects can be completed more quickly, reducing inconvenience for everyone.

Show a little respect

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said:

“It saddens me that our workforce, who work to improve the lives of Dorset’s residents and visitors, should have to face abuse.

“Everyone should feel safe at work. Our employees should never be threatened, intimidated or assaulted because of the job they do.

“They work in all weather conditions and sometimes in difficult circumstances. These are our sons, daughters, fathers and mothers, just regular Dorset residents. Please put yourself in their shoes before you take out your frustrations on them. Show some respect and kindness.

Investing in our roads and our staff

Cllr Andrews continued: “This campaign comes as Dorset Council commits to a major programme of investment in our highways network, with up to £115 million spent over the next four years.

“But highway improvements can only happen if our crews are allowed to work safely and without abuse. Every delay caused by intimidation or aggression slows down progress and, ultimately, costs taxpayers money.”

Zero tolerance

Anyone who chooses to abuse a member of the Dorset Council crew, verbally or physically, will be reported to the police and action will be taken. CCTV operates at the council’s sites and crews wear bodycams. Footage will be used as evidence.

Investigation into abuse starts as soon as an incident is reported. This takes people away from vital highways work, delaying completion and potentially costing thousands of pounds. Prolonged road closures affect everyone.

Support for Dorset Council employees

Dorset Council has a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and is committed to creating a safer working environment for all employees. Support and training on de-escalation techniques are provided to all its employees.

Reporting abuse

If you witness roadworkers being subjected to threatening behaviour, please report it to the police or contact us:

If there is an immediate danger to life, or if violence is happening or being threatened, call 999 straight away.

If you witness road workers being abused but there is no immediate risk, report it to the police on 101

Alternatively, you can report non-emergency incidents to our Customer Services team  

Stamp it Out

Dorset Council supports the national Stamp it Out campaign, which aims to end abuse of people who work on public highways. The campaign raises awareness, works with the police, and lobbies government to give highways workers greater legal protection.

Abuse in any form, verbal or physical, affects workers’ wellbeing and delays projects, impacting road users and residents alike. In 2023, 2,307 highways workers nationally reported being abused while working on public roads, including incidents involving weapons.