Violent assaults and threats are the fastest-growing safety concern in the workplace, according to a new survey. Nov 2002

The study, commissioned by the TUC, found that 30% of 5,000 union-appointed safety representatives listed them as among the main fears of workers in all sectors.

John Monks, general secretary of the TUC, said: "Stress is still the biggest health and safety problem facing workers. RSI and back strain are major problems, too.

"But the increase in worries about violence, which reflects actual increases in the number of assaults on workers, is especially troubling.

"Too many workers face the threat of violence when they go to work and in some jobs, the only question is "when" will you get attacked or not or "whether".

"Workers are facing a rising tide of violence and employers haven't got to grips with the threat.

Employees working with the public, such as jobcentre staff and hospital workers, are most at risk.

"Individual acts of violence are random but violence can and should be assessed, managed and reduced."

Although 55% said overwork and stress was the leading concern, followed by repetitive strain injury (37%), display screen equipment (34%) and back strains (31%), it is the first time the problem has figured in the top five.

Notes to Reps:

The TUC is working with the Health and Safety Executive, the Home Office, unions and employers to spread good practice on preventing violence at work - an inter-governmental conference will be held at the TUC’s London headquarters on Monday, 2 December.

The TUC Survey of Safety Reps is conducted every two years. The full report, including regional and sect oral breakdowns, will be published in December.

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