The risk of violent attack at work is a serious occupational hazard for many working people especially for those whose duties take them out to the community as 'lone workers'. The effects of violence at work Violent attacks are not only physical,but include verbal abuse and damage to a workers home or property. The psychological effects of violence often remain hidden and unrecognised. Workers are often reluctant to report incidents either because they feel that nothing would be done about it, or that they would be seen as incompetent.
Violence is neither an acceptable part of a job, nor the fault of the worker.
It is often the way the work is organised. Every year some 350,000 people are violently attacked at work. Workers have been threatened with guns, axes and broken bottles. Reported injuries from violence include bruising, broken bones, stab wounds and death. Underlying effects are high levels of stress and damage to personal esteem, making it difficult for workers to do their jobs properly.