Work-related violence — get it down
The reporting of work-related violence is important on any day of the week and not just a shopping frenzy day like Black Friday when shopworkers have faced widespread abuse.
Without a strong and well-used reporting system, employers cannot respond to incidents or identify potential hotspots and trends and tackle the problem at source, a TUC briefing says.
There are a number of features of reporting systems that union health and safety reps should seek to negotiate. These include a clear, agreed definition of work-related violence.
An agreed reporting form, preferably kept as short as possible, will encourage those affected by violence to complete the reporting process.
The reporting form should be written in plain and straightforward language, and translated forms should be available for all workers for whom English is not their primary language.
The form should direct the person completing it to provide factual evidence with critical elements, such as the incident time and location; a description of assailant; and a description of any injuries suffered.
There is a link on the TUC's website to what a draft report could look like. And once agreed, an employer should ensure that it is made widely available with all staff notified about the policy and encouraged to complete and return the form after any incidents.
www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/health-and-safety/violence/reporting-work-related-violence