Businesses need workplace violence strategy

Tuesday 26th October 2010, 2:30PM BST.

Mick O’Neill, the health and safety manager for Ann Summers, talking at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast seminar about violence in the workplace. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 1042254)

VIOLENCE and aggression in the workplace needs to be controlled, according to Ann Summers health and safety manager Mick O’Neill.

He spoke to businesses at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast seminar and said it was important for staff to be prepared.

‘Many people face this issue but do not recognise and deal with it,’ he said.

‘The effect of violence and aggression in the workplace may not be physical, but it can be psychological or leave staff stressed.’

In the UK between 2006 and 2008, there were more than 900 serious injuries in the workplace caused by violence and aggression as well as several deaths.