Violence at work
The number of violent incidents at work shows a downward trend over the last decade, with incidents remaining fairly constant over the last five years.
Findings from the British Crime Survey (BCS) and RIDDOR data show that in 2010/11:
- There were an estimated 313 000 threats of violence to British workers during the 12 months prior to the interviews, down 15% from the previous year (BCS).
- There were an estimated 341 000 physical assaults to British workers during the 12 months prior to the interviews, up 10% from the previous year (BCS).
- An estimated 43% of all people assaulted or threatened at work were repeat victims (BCS).
- According to BCS data, the highest risk age group for work related violence for men was 25-34, whereas for women it was 55-59 (BCS).
- There were 6 078 reportable injuries to employees caused by violence at work, down 0.4% from the previous year (RIDDOR).
It should be noted that the changes quoted above are not statistically significant, when compared with the previous year.
Number of incidents of violence at work for adults of working age in employment 1991 - 2010/11
Source: British Crime Survey
