Violence

Violence against staff affects employees and businesses very seriously. Staff may suffer pain, distress and long-term health problems. Your business' image, recruitment and staff retention could suffer. You could even face legal claims and higher insurance premiums.

Your location and type of business affects the chances of violence against staff. But all employers have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace. It's also sensible to join community initiatives and build closer links with the police.

Risk assessment

To prevent and handle violence against staff, you need to understand the threat. Carry out a risk assessment, and keep it under review. This means talking to staff, and recording and classifying incidents. Take into account goods and cash held on the premises, and contact between staff and the public. Most violent incidents involve theft, troublemakers, angry customers and drunk, drugged or disturbed customers.

Strategy

Using the results of the risk assessment, develop a strategy to help keep staff safe. It should cover:

• information and staff training
• improving the design of the workplace
• revising jobs with safety in mind
• improving physical security
• procedures for emergencies

When a violent incident happens

If a member of staff is a victim of violence, they will need your support. Other staff may also be affected.

Reporting the incident

You may need to report the incident. you must report deaths, major injuries, accidents involving more than three days off work, and dangerous occurrences. This includes any act of non-consensual physical violence committed against a person at work. However, some accidents involving acts of violence may also need to be reported to the police