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combatting violence - GIF 1 (3)

Zero Tolerance of Abuse

Violence and aggression can pose serious risks in any environment, which is why recognising, reporting, and effectively managing incidents are vital.

Conflict management training is available to help de-escalate tense situations, and lone-working device support ensures that individuals who work alone have an added layer of protection.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines violence at work as ‘any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.’

By knowing how to spot potential problems and respond quickly, we can foster a safer, more respectful environment.

Examples of employees who may be at greater risk of violence at work include:

  • Lone workers

  • Receptionists

  • Security officers

  • Social workers

  • Enforcement officers

  • Care workers

  • Community workers

  • Housing officers

  • Environmental health officers

  • Youth workers

  • Customer service staff

  • Parking enforcement officers

  • Highway maintenance and construction workers involved in road closures or traffic control

This list is not complete — any role involving direct contact with the public, especially in challenging or emotionally charged situations, may carry a risk of violence or abuse.

 


Examples of abuse at work:

  • Banging on desks, shouting, swearing, spitting, kicking furniture, punching security screens etc. These are all intimidation tactics.
  • Threatening behaviour such as verbal threats, gestures or stances, obstruction etc.
  • Possession of a weapon of any kind regardless of the lack of overt threat to use it.
  • Exhibiting signs of aggression whilst under the influence of alcohol / drugs.
  • Assault via gripping and pulling clothes or poking, shouting, punching, and kicking.
  • Any unwanted physical contact.
  • Personal threats.
  • Deliberate silence to intimidate.
  • Racial or sexual harrassment.
  • Bullying.
  • Stalking.
  • Intimidation.
  • Threatening use of dogs.
  • Social media abuse, including text messages and emails.
  • Letters.
  • Threats over the phone. 

What do in the event of violence / aggression at work?

  • Follow any advice, procedures, safe systems, or training reduce or eliminate risks identified in the violence and aggression risk assessment.

  • Remove yourself from the situation where you feel intimidated / threatened and advise your line manager of the action that you have taken. 

  • Inform a manager at an early stage of any incident.

  • Complete an incident (INC1) form detailing the circumstances of any incident of violence or aggression which has taken place, including details of the aggressor.

  • Contact police as appropriate following a violent incident.

  • Ensure that any equipment issued for safeguarding violence at work is kept in good condition and report any defects to your line manager.

report a violent incident GIF (1)

Other Resources:

 

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