Violence in the retail sector

While we often think after sales shopping that violence is rife amongst shoppers, IOSH has highlighted the retail sector as being one of those most susceptible to workplace violence.

IOSH has highlighted the increasing risk that employees in public-facing jobs face, such as in the retail sector. This includes employees across the whole sector including employees who work in shops, logistics workers, call centre staff, home delivery drivers and store operators.

Attacks are not only physical but often verbal, both of which can have a severe effect on an individual’s life whether they cause physical injuries, stress and anxiety in the workplace or more severe psychological issues. IOSH say that often attacks that are non violent have the worst effects on individuals. People lose their confidence and can become scared to leave their homes and engage with people outside of their friends or family.

It is important that employers, particularly those who have employees in public facing jobs, address these issues if they are present in their workplace to promote good employee wellbeing and to tackle absence and staff turnover which are often related to workplace unmanaged violence.