If your job brings you into contact with the public, then confrontation is a possibility. Jobs involving night work, where you handle money, or where you deal with people in high-stress situations, such as social work or health care, are among those that could put you at higher risk of violence. Read on to find out more about the risks, and what you and your employer can do to prevent and deal with problems.
The TUC’s web pages on Violence at work, in the health and safety section, have news, information and resources, including the relevant chapter of Hazards at work, the TUC’s guide to Health and Safety in the workplace. tuc.org.uk/h_and_s
The Health and Safety Executive has information and advice for workers and employers, including guides and case studies, as well as research and statistics. www.hse.gov.uk/violence
Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from fear’ campaign seeks to prevent threats and violence towards shop workers. www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the leading charity for personal safety. The website has a range of personal safety guides, including one on working alone, and a directory of personal safety services for lone workers. Tel: 020 7091 0014 suzylamplugh.org
Victim Support, the national charity providing support to victims of crime, is contactable via your local police station, or the Victim Supportline. victimsupport.org.uk
Working Alone: A health and safety guide, and Violence at Work: A guide to risk prevention, 2000, are available free on the UNISON website in the Resources section, or from the UNISON health and safety unit, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ, tel: 020 7388 2366. unison.org.uk
Tackling violence at work, GMB Guide to Working Alone, Health and safety and home care staff, GMB Guide to Health and Safety for NHS Workers and Health and safety for school support staff, are available from the GMB health and safety unit, tel: 020 8971 4260. gmb.org.uk
