Violence
HSE Violence at Work Booklet
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a booklet which provides practical advice to help employers find out if violence is a problem for their employees, and if it is, how to tackle it. The booklet is aimed at employers, but should also interest employees and safety representatives.
Title: Violence at Work
Author: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Series: 2nd Edition
Number of Pages: 13
Date Published: 2000
People dealing with the public may have to work in an environment where they are confronted by violent or aggressive behaviour. Typical provocation may include being sworn at, threatened, or even attacked.
The 'Violence at Work' booklet defines related work-related violence as:
'any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work'.
Employees at risk
Verbal abuse and threats are the most common types of incident, with physical attacks comparatively rare. Employees most likely at risk to these incidents are those engaged within:
giving a service
caring
education
cash transactions
delivery / collection
stewarding
representing an authority
Legislation
There are 4 main health and safety laws which relate to violence at work:
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act)
The Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1999
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (a) and The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (b)
Effective Management of violence
A 4-stage management plan can be used to provide a framework to the 'violence at work' problem.
STAGE 1: Find out if you have a problem
Involves identifying hazards by asking staff, keeping detailed records, classifying all incidents, and forecasting what may happen in the future.
STAGE 2: Deciding what action to take
The risk assessment should continue through deciding which staff may be harmed, and how. The risks must be evaluated, with training and information then given to staff. The environment must also be considered with appropriate changes made (alarm systems, security door locks, video surveillance etc).
The organisation could change the design of the job process through methods such as cash alternatives being used, such as tokens, credit card transactions etc. Findings can then be recorded, with the ongoing assessment reviewed and revised.
STAGE 3: Take Action
The safety policy of the organisation could be fed back to employees so they are aware of the rules and regulations. This will help procedures to be followed properly, and any further incidents to be identified and followed through the effective route.
STAGE 4: Check what you have done
Evaluate the ongoing safety policies, consulting with employees and representatives to gain an overall reflection of the prevention structure. If violence is still a problem, re-evaluate stages and identify other preventative measures that may work.
If an incident has happened, measures must be in place to provide the victims with the assistance they need, considering:
debriefing
time off work
legal help
other employees
Download: 'Violence at Work'
from the HSE website 
PDF 688kb
Date modified: 11 December 2003
Review date: December 2004
Originator: Crime Reduction Centre Information Team
Last update: 11/12/03