According to the British Crime Survey, what the statisticians call ‘protective service occupations’ which includes police and private security are by far the working group most at risk of violence.
A full report on levels and trends in violence at work in England and Wales was previously published based on findings from the 2002-03 British Crime Survey (BCS). Newly released tables update six key tables from that earlier report using 2003/04 and 2004/05 BCS findings.
The estimated number of incidents fell below 500,000 (451,000) for the first time on record in 2003/04 BCS interviews. The 2004/05 BCS shows there were about 655,000 incidents of assaults or threats at work.
However a sign of how little is known about the true picture of violence at work, the 655,000 is made up of 317,000 assaults and 339,000 threats. However, there is a higher estimate total of 764,000, made up of 393 and 410,000 threats; and a lower estimate of 547,000 – 240,000 assaults and 267,000 threats. (The statistical table does not explain why 240,000 and 267,000 in this case add up to 547,000.)
If we are to believe the survey, there has been a steady fall in violence at work since a peak in 1995 (1,310,000 incidents). According to the survey, programmes raising awareness of risks of violence to employers by the HSE and HSC are likely to have contributed to this fall.
Although the increase between 2003/04 and 2004/05 interviews is likely to reflect the especially low rate of violent incidents on 2003/04 and may partly reflect natural variations over time it is nonetheless an important reminder of the need to continue efforts in this area.
