Violence or assault at work is a growing concern across many industries. Employees in healthcare, retail, and security roles are particularly vulnerable, but aggression from colleagues, customers, or members of the public can occur in almost any workplace.

Being threatened, attacked, or assaulted while carrying out your job can be frightening and traumatic. Injuries may include physical harm such as bruising, fractures, or cuts, but the emotional impact of workplace violence is often just as damaging. Employers have a legal duty to protect their staff from these risks. When they fail to do so, injured workers may be entitled to claim compensation.

What counts as workplace violence or assault?

Violence at work is not limited to physical attacks. It covers a range of behaviours that threaten the safety or wellbeing of employees. Examples include:

Physical assaults – being hit, kicked, pushed, or struck with an object
Threats of violence – verbal or written threats that cause fear or intimidation
Aggressive behaviour – hostile actions from colleagues, customers, or members of the public
Sexual harassment or assault – unwanted contact or harassment in the workplace
Verbal abuse – offensive language or shouting that creates a threatening environment

Even if no physical injury occurs, employees may still have grounds to bring a claim if their employer failed to protect them from foreseeable harm.

Common causes of violence at work

Workplace violence usually arises in high-pressure environments, or where staff interact regularly with the public. Common causes include:

Healthcare settings – patients or relatives lashing out at medical staff due to stress or frustration
Retail environments – customers becoming aggressive during disputes, theft attempts, or crowd situations
Security roles – assaults when dealing with intoxicated or aggressive individuals
Colleague disputes – conflicts within the workplace that escalate into physical aggression
Lack of training – staff not being prepared to manage difficult or aggressive situations
Inadequate safety measures – employers failing to provide security staff, panic alarms, or clear reporting procedures

Many of these risks can be reduced if employers take appropriate precautions and provide proper support.

Injuries linked to workplace assaults

The harm caused by violence at work can be both physical and psychological. Common injuries and conditions include:

Cuts, bruises, and fractures – from being struck or pushed during an assault
Head injuries – caused by blows or falls during violent incidents
Musculoskeletal injuries – sprains or strains from defending against an attack
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – long-term anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares
Depression and anxiety – often linked to ongoing stress after experiencing workplace violence

For many employees, the psychological impact can last far longer than the physical injuries.

Employer responsibilities in preventing workplace violence

UK health and safety law requires employers to take steps to protect employees from violence at work. Their responsibilities include:

Carrying out risk assessments in high-risk environments such as hospitals, retail stores, and public-facing offices
Providing adequate security measures, including CCTV, panic alarms, or trained security staff
Offering training on conflict management and dealing with aggressive individuals
Ensuring there are clear procedures for reporting and responding to violent incidents
Supporting staff who have been victims of violence with counselling or time off where necessary
Taking disciplinary action against colleagues who behave aggressively or abusively

Employers who ignore these duties may be held liable if an employee suffers harm.

The impact of workplace violence

The consequences of workplace violence are often wide-ranging. Physically, victims may face pain, scarring, or disability. Emotionally, they may struggle with stress, anxiety, or fear of returning to work. Financially, time off for recovery can cause lost income and career setbacks.

Families are often affected too, as they may need to provide support and care while coping with the emotional strain of seeing a loved one injured. Compensation can help to ease these burdens and provide access to treatment and support.