Workplace Violence Guidance – an update from the HSE

 
This week, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety from the Department for Work and Pension, has reviewed and updated its guidance for employers around violence in the workplace. 

Workplace violence and aggression are significant issues that can have severe consequences for employees and businesses. Fortunately, there are steps that employers can take to safeguard their employees and create a safer work environment.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines workplace violence as any incident in which an employee is physically assaulted, threatened, or verbally abused in circumstances relating to their work. This can happen face to face, over the phone, or online. Verbal abuse and threats can have a significant impact on employees’ mental health and can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

To protect employees from workplace violence and aggression, employers must take proactive steps.

Here are 5 top tips on how employers can protect their staff from violence and aggression in the workplace.

1. Develop a comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy:
Employers should develop a policy that outlines the types of behaviour that will not be tolerated in the workplace. The policy should also provide clear guidelines for reporting incidents of violence and aggression.

2. Provide training:
Employees should be trained on how to recognise and prevent workplace violence and aggression. This training should include information on how to diffuse potentially violent situations and how to report incidents.

3. Implement security measures:
Employers should consider implementing security measures such as security cameras, panic alarms, and access control systems to prevent workplace violence and aggression.

4. Offer support:
Employers should offer support to employees who have experienced workplace violence and aggression. This can include counselling, time off, and access to support groups.

5. Encourage reporting:
Employers should encourage employees to report incidents of workplace violence and aggression. This will help employers identify patterns and take action to prevent future incidents.

In conclusion, workplace violence and aggression are serious issues that can have severe consequences for employees and businesses. By implementing proactive measures and providing support to employees, employers can create a safer work environment.

For more information on the guidance provided by the HSE click here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/

By working together, we can create a safer and healthier workplace for all employees.