Violence in the workplace

Although a violent is not usually seen as an accident, the potential for violence at work is a risk that needs to be managed. There are two sources of violence that need to be considered, employees attacking each other and members of the public attacking employees. People working in health sectors, education, handling cash (retail outlets and cash deliveries) and people in positions of authority (e.g. police) are most at risk, especially if working alone.

Whilst violence is largely unpredictable, there are certain factors that make it more likely. They include:

* The incentive for violence (e.g. perception that large amounts of money or drugs can be obtained);
* The perception of the likelihood of getting caught;
* The potential for conflict (e.g. situations where people may disagree with what is happening, such as when being arrested)
* Likelihood that people are drunk or have taken drugs.

The job and working environment need to be designed to minimise the opportunities and incentives for violence. Employees who are at risk need to be trained how to deal with it, including recognising warning signs and taking appropriate action. Arrangements need to be made to summon help when required and to increase deterrents (e.g. CCTV). Violent incidents should be recorded and investigated in a similar way to accidents, in order to identify trends.

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