Businesses risk increased premiums and potential prosecution if they fail to address the rising tide of workplace violence.
According to the British Crime Survey, retailers and UK businesses lost almost £13.8m worth of man hours each year from workplace violence. And this is increasing.
Prevention of customer theft was identified as being the main cause of violence, responsible for 66% of all reported cases.
Law firm Weightman Vizards workplace safety partner Noel Walsh said there were several key steps that retailers could take to drive down the risk of violence and therefore the threat of costly litigation.
The steps include: reviewing health and safety policies; ensuring that risk assessments address the risk of violence; and keeping records of incidents.
