Violence at work initiative

Work related violence is described by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as "Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work."

Incidents of extreme violence are still quite rare, however, evidence has been emerging in recent years of the harm caused by non-physical forms of violence, including aggression and verbal abuse.

Studies have shown that tens of thousands of shop workers are subject to verbal abuse and threats every year. The stress that this causes is damaging to employee's health and can impact on their family life. It is also bad for business because the levels of sickness absence and the loss of experienced staff. Environmental Health Officers are currently working with Greater Manchester Police to provide comprehensive advice to businesses on how to protect employees and public entering retail premises from acts of violence.

The aim of the Salford Community Safety Partnership is to reduce crime and disorder within Salford and to build safer, stronger, confident communities. In 2008 we were successful in receiving the HELA Award for Innovation for this work with our partners in Greater Manchester.

The violence pack below provides information to assist businesses to identify, assess and control the risk of violence within a workplace. If the advice set out in the pack is followed businesses will be well on the way to complying with responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Who to contact

Name

Environment Directorate

Address

Turnpike House
631 Eccles New Road
Salford
M50 1SW
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 925 1097

Email

environment@salford.gov.uk

Fax

0161 920 8484

This page was last updated on 21 May 2012