Violence at work

A judge has slashed a cash-strapped council’s safety fine by more than half in recognition of the impact of COVID-19.

Enforcing social distancing measures and the wearing of face coverings are now the biggest triggers for abuse of shopworkers, a survey has revealed.

The World Health Organization has issued a safety charter calling for 5 actions improve healthcare worker safety.

The UK Health and Safety Executive’s guidance INDG73 on the risks of lone working has been updated.

An HSE inspector was the victim of violence and aggression while conducting an inspection at a waste and recycling site, it has been revealed.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is calling on employers to sign up to its new charter to help keep lone working employees safer.

Shop workers are experiencing "severe mental health consequences" as a result of violent store crime, a study has found.

Southwark London Borough Council has screened all hand car washes in the borough for safety and health risks and potential labour exploitation.

The UK government has rejected calls for a trial licensing scheme for hand car washes to crack down on labour exploitation.

Last week Matt Hancock, health and social care secretary, launched a “zero tolerance” strategy on violence against NHS workers. The new partnership between the health service, the police and the CPS is part of this. It aims to help victims give evidence and to bring offenders to justice more swiftly. According to the latest figures from the Department of Health and Social Care, more than 15% of NHS workers have experienced violence from patients, their relatives or the public in the past 12 months – the highest figure for five years.