2. What the law says
Health and safety law applies to risks from work-related violence, just as it does to other risks from work. The main pieces of relevant legislation are provided below.
Health and Safety at Work Act
This Act places a legal duty on employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of workers. This includes protecting them from work-related violence.
Every business must have a policy for managing health and safety.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
These Regulations require employers to assess the health and safety risks to workers, including the risk of work-related violence.
In addition, employers have a requirement to:
- appoint competent people
- set up emergency procedures
- provide information and training to workers
- work together with employers sharing the same workplace
Workers, on the other hand, are required to use the information and training they have received, and to report dangerous situations or failings in health and safety arrangements.
You can find guidance on workers’ responsibilities. Health and Safety Law: What you need to know
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
Under these Regulations, employers, certain self-employed people and those in control of work premises must report certain workplace injuries, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases to HSE.
More information on reporting violent incidents.
Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations
Under these Regulations, employers have a duty to consult with their workers, or their representatives, on health and safety matters.
These Regulations apply in workplaces where:
- the employer recognises trade unions
- trade unions are recognised for collective bargaining purposes
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations
These Regulations apply in workplaces where workers are not covered by representatives appointed by recognised trade unions.
More information on consulting workers.
Legal advice from other sources
HSE is not the primary authority for cases of bullying, harassment or domestic abuse in the workplace. However, there are other sources of advice: