To reduce the number of incidents of work-related violence within the retail sector, and consequently to reduce working days lost both to violence and related ill-health issues such as stress and anxiety – often caused by violent incidents or the fear of them.
HSE’s work-related violence toolkit, produced in partnership with Westminster Council and LACORS, will assist employers in the retail sector to carry out a risk assessment for violence. It is a web-based toolkit but can be printed out if necessary.
Employees in public-facing jobs are particularly at risk of work-related violence. Physical attacks are obviously dangerous, but serious or persistent verbal abuse can be a significant problem too, as it can cause damage employees’ health through anxiety and stress. For their employers this can represent a real financial cost – through low staff morale and high staff turnover. This in turn can affect the confidence of a business and its profitability. Further costs may arise from expensive insurance premiums and compensation payments.
All work-related violence, both verbal and physical, has serious consequences for employees and for the business they work for. For employees violence can cause pain, distress and even disability or death.
Employees who come into contact with the public are considered at risk of violence and employers should carry out a risk assessment on this topic.
All year.
If you have any questions relating to this topic, please contact infoline by emailing hse.infoline@connaught.plc.uk or by telephoning 0845 345 0055.