Reducing risk of violence is "good for business"

New guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers that taking simple steps to tackle work-related violence can help reduce risks and improve efficiency and profitability.

There are 1.3 million attacks on workers each year and work-related violence has a high cost for employees and employers through sickness absence, staff turnover, higher insurance premiums and compensation payments. Employees may suffer not only physical injuries, but also anxiety and stress.

Work-related violence: managing the risk in smaller businesses contains 10 case studies looking at how some businesses have reduced the risk of violence to staff.

Publication of the case studies is part of the Health and Safety Commission's three year programme to tackle work-related violence.

The 10 case studies selected for the guidance cover the retail, health and welfare, security and enforcement, and leisure/service providers sectors.

Work-related violence: managing the risk in smaller businesses, £9.50, can be ordered online at www.hsebooks.co.uk or from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995.