NOT SAFE AT WORK

Frontline workers in particular are at risk of violence in the workplace

THOUSANDS of people are the victim of violence in their workplace every year - with frontline workers such as police, firefighters and doctors most at risk. Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that across England and Wales, 344,000 adults experienced violence at work in 2018/19, in a total of 739,000 incidents.

Of those, 383,000 involved threats, and 356,000 involved actual assaults.

More than half of assaults (54%) resulted in injury - mostly minor bruising or a black eye, but also scratches, severe bruising, cuts and other injuries.

In most cases the offender was a stranger (58%), or a client or member of the public that was known to the victim through work (25%) - but in 10% of cases they were a workmate or colleague.

Victims reported that the offender appeared to be under the influence of alcohol in 22% of threats and 31% of assaults, and under the influence of drugs in 22% of threats and 26% of assaults.

The HSE report also offers a breakdown by occupation, which shows that certain professions are much more likely to be affected by workplace violence.

While just 1.4% of all adults are at risk of violence at work, the figure more than doubles to 3.3% of health professionals, and 5.1% for health and social care associate professionals.

The proportion is highest for those in protective service occupations, however, at 11.4% this includes police, correctional officers and firefighters, among others.

It’s not possible to see if violence at work is generally on the rise, as the HSE have changed their methodology since they last reported on these figures.

However, separate figures from the Home Office show that across England and Wales, there were 30,977 assaults against police officers recorded in 2018/19, up 18% from 26,295 in 2017/18.

Similarly, there were 2,525 assaults on prison staff during the first three months of 2019 alone - up from 2,427 assaults between January and March 2018, and a record high.

Meanwhile, 29% of all NHS staff in England reported at least one incident of harassment, bullying or abuse from patients, their relatives or other members of the public last year.

That’s the same proportion as in 2018, but up from 28% in 2017 and 2016.

While the majority of injuries sustained in a violent incident are classified as minor injuries, some are of a more serious nature that may cause longer term physical and psychological harm to the individuals involved.

Experiencing violence at work can also have emotional consequences for victims, and worry

about workplace violence may impact upon people’s health.

UNISON assistant general secretary Christina Mcanea said: "No-one should be threatened, abused or assaulted at work.

"Emergency service workers, police staff and those working in mental health often find themselves in challenging situations and so are more likely to be attacked. And staffing cuts have made the problem worse.

"The impact on individuals can be devastating. Employers must adopt a zero tolerance approach so perpetrators know there will be consequences. They must also do everything possible to provide a safe and secure working environment for all of their staff all of the time."