Working in a prison environment comes with a level of risk not typically found in most other workplaces. This is largely due to the unique nature of custodial work, where staff are responsible for managing individuals who may be violent, unpredictable, or in crisis. Custodial staff are tasked with maintaining security, order, and safety within correctional facilities. Daily responsibilities include:
- supervising the daily routine for people in custody including prisoner movements, attendance at activities, and mealtimes
- responding to critical incidents such as fights, medical emergencies, and self-harm
- managing people with complex behavioural and mental health needs
- supporting prisoner rehabilitation and case management.
This work requires constant vigilance, the ability to de-escalate volatile situations, and the capacity to respond quickly to emergencies. It is taxing work both physically and mentally.
The prison environment can expose staff to a wide range of physical, psychological, fatigue-related, and operational hazards.
Risks can be heightened during times of staffing shortages, overcrowding, or when managing people with complex medical or psychological needs. However, while prisons are recognised as high-risk workplaces, staff should not expect to be injured or traumatised. Accepting there is risk is not the same as accepting harm as inevitable. All employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, even in high-risk settings. This includes:
- proactive hazard identification and risk management
- timely and appropriate incident response
- ongoing training and support for staff
- systems that support early intervention, injury prevention, and fair workers’ compensation processes.
Recognising the inherent risks of the custodial environment is not about excusing injuries or psychological harm – it is about acknowledging reality and committing to reducing preventable harm wherever possible.