HSA: Work-Related Violence Is Never "Part of the Job" - New Campaign Highlights Employers' Duty to Protect Workers

October 15th 2024

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) launched a new awareness campaign aimed at helping employers effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with work-related violence and aggression. This initiative comes as part of the HSA’s continued commitment to promoting safer workplaces and addressing key risks around employee occupational health.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness among employers of their legal duties in protecting employees from potential threats of violence or aggressive behaviour from external parties in the workplace. It also provides guidance on implementing best practices and preventive measures to create safer, more supportive working environments for workers.

Focus on Employer Responsibility and Worker Safety

The new campaign highlights the growing need for vigilance and proactive management in industries where employees may be particularly vulnerable to work-related violence and aggression from the general public, such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and public services. It emphasises that employers have a duty to assess risks, provide appropriate training, and establish clear procedures to handle such incidents effectively.

Dr Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive, Occupational Health, HSA, stated "

The safety of employees must be a top priority for every employer. Work-related violence and aggression can have a devastating impact on both the physical and mental health of workers, as well as the overall productivity of businesses.

Dr Duff continued,

This campaign aims to ensure that all employers understand the steps they need to take to safeguard their staff and to provide the necessary resources for preventing and managing incidents.

Work-related violence and aggression is a key hazard in workplaces, particularly in frontline roles where employees are in direct contact with the public. Data from the HSA shows that the vast majority of incidents involving violence and aggression occur in Public Administration and Defence, Education, Retail, Health and Social Care and Transport sectors.

Elaine Murphy, Senior HSA Inspector, Occupational Health, said,

Employers across all sectors need to be aware of the risks their staff may face in their jobs and take concrete steps to mitigate those risks. By doing so, not only are they complying with their legal obligations, but they are also creating a more positive and healthier workplace.

Comprehensive Resources for Employers

The HSA has a suite of resources to help employers better understand their obligations and implement practical solutions which includes their latest Guidance on Managing the Risk of Work-Related Violence and Aggression. To support this recent guidance the HSA are developing a free e-learning course for employers and duty holders to use. This will be available in coming weeks on hsalearning.ie 

Elaine Murphy continued

We urge all employers to engage with the HSA supports available and to actively review their current workplace safety practices and take proactive steps to assess and manage the risks of work-related violence and aggression.

This advertising campaign will run across multiple platforms, including radio, online media, and social channels, to reach a wide audience of employers and industry stakeholders. The HSA will also collaborate with key sectoral bodies and trade associations to ensure that the campaign message reaches the most vulnerable sectors.

For more information on the campaign and access to the full range of resources, please visit the HSA’s official website at www.hsa.ie.

ENDS