The killing of teacher, Ann Maguire has highlighted the rising concern over workplace violence.\u00a0 Mrs Maguire, who was due to retire in a few months, died from multiple stab wounds.<\/p>\n
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2012\/13, found that 323, 000 adults of working age in employment experienced work related violence including threats and physical assault. There were an estimated 649, 000 incidents of violence at work according to the 2012\/13 CSEW, comprising 332 000 assaults and 317 000 threats. This compares to an estimated 643 000 incidents in 2011\/12, an increase of 1 per cent.<\/p>\n
Health and safety law applies to risks from violence, just as it does to other risks from work. Victims may suffer not only physical injury, but also psychological effects, such as anxiety and stress. For their employers this can represent a real financial cost \u2013 through low staff morale and high staff turnover. This can affect the confidence of a business, its profitability and even its viability. Further costs may arise from expensive insurance premiums and compensation payments.<\/p>\n
HSE encourages employers to manage work-related violence in the same way as any other health and safety issue. To help employers do this HSE has published free general guidance, Violence at work: A guide for employers, which gives practical advice on how to find out if violence to staff is a problem, and how to tackle it.<\/p>\n
The guidance sets out four simple steps to the effective management of work-related violence:<\/p>\n
Find out if you have a problem<\/p>\n
Decide what action to take<\/p>\n
Take action<\/p>\n
Review action.<\/p>\n