High cost of workplace violence

The HSE has released the results of the largest ever study into violence at work. These record an average of 1.2M incidents in England and Wales each year.

Those most likely to be involved are employees in direct contact with the public, typically police, security guards, retail managers, nurses and local and national government staff.

The majority of the victims are sufficiently upset by the experience to suffer a range of symptoms - and the research demonstrates that there is a high risk of repeat victimisation.

The HSE estimates that the costs of work-related violence, including time taken off, amounts to about £62M pa. The agency points out that an employer's obligation to assess risk applies here as in other areas of health and safety. It plans to consult key bodies on whether additional government action is needed.

Elliott Chase