A new campaign by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) aims to help employers manage and mitigate the risks associated with work-related violence and aggression.
The initiative comes as part of the HSA's commitment to promote safer workplaces and address key risks around employee occupational health.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness among employers of their legal duties in protecting employees from potential threats of violence or aggressive behaviour from external parties in the workplace.
It also provides guidance on implementing best practices and preventive measures to create safer, more supportive working environments for workers.
The new campaign highlights the growing need for vigilance and proactive management in industries where employees may be particularly vulnerable to work-related violence and aggression from the general public - such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and public services.
It emphasises that employers have a duty to assess risks, provide appropriate training, and establish clear procedures to handle such incidents effectively.
"The safety of employees must be a top priority for every employer," said Dr Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive, Occupational Health, HSA.
"Work-related violence and aggression can have a devastating impact on both the physical and mental health of workers, as well as the overall productivity of businesses.
"This campaign aims to ensure that all employers understand the steps they need to take to safeguard their staff and to provide the necessary resources for preventing and managing incidents," she added.
Data from the HSA shows that the vast majority of incidents involving violence and aggression occur in Public Administration and Defence, Education, Retail, Health and Social Care and Transport sectors.
More information on the campaign and access to the full range of resources can be found on the HSA's website.
