What should I do if I'm attacked at work?

Published: 25 May 2011

The first thing you should do following an assault at work is to notify your manager and formally report the attack on an incident form. You should also notify the police as you will need a crime reference number if you decide to seek criminal injuries compensation at a later point. It might also be worth keeping a diary of events and logging how any injuries you sustain worsen or improve over time. If you are not in a position to do this immediately following the incident, do it as soon as possible afterwards so details remain clear in your mind.

What should I expect from my employer?

Your employer has a legal obligation to protect you and your colleagues from harm in the workplace. They should be constantly assessing health and safety risks and implementing arrangements to prevent or protect against injury. They should also be providing you with information and appropriate training in dealing with aggression and violence as well as appointing competent people to advise on health and safety.

If you are attacked at work you should be fully supported by your employer. You might expect them to review their staff protection processes in light of the incident and assess whether more could be done to prevent similar events occurring in the future. If you feel that your employer is not dealing with the matter sufficiently, contact RCN Direct for further support.

What if I can’t work as a result of my injuries?

Your employer should refer you to occupational health and you should consider making a claim for personal injury compensation. You may also want to seek advice from RCN Welfare Rights and Guidance who can provide information on benefits, tax credits and other financial support. The advice line is available between 9.30am and 4.30pm weekdays on 0345 408 4391.

What if I need help coming to terms with the attack?

The RCN Counselling Service offers free confidential support to help you deal with any challenging emotional issues you may face. The service operates over the telephone so you can access counselling at a time that suits you, from the comfort of your own home. Call 0345 7726100 to enquire about making an appointment.

How should I handle the threat of violence in my workplace?

You should report any concerns to your manager immediately. You may refuse to treat a patient if there is a serious threat of violence but this needs careful consideration. It may be possible for care to be given while the patient’s violence is managed. Each situation needs to be assessed and discussed with your manager and the rest of the care team. Your employer should have specific protocols for managing violent patients and is responsible for ensuring your safety and that of the patient. If you leave the workplace because of danger you believe to be serious and imminent and which you could not be reasonably expected to prevent, your employer cannot dismiss or discipline you for it.

How can I find out more?

RCN Direct online advice has a range of guidance about dealing with violence in the workplace. If this does not satisfy your query, or you need further support, please call RCN Direct on 0345 7726100 anytime between 8.30am and 8.30pm seven days a week.

The RCN has developed a tool to manage risk and promote safer working practices in health care. Download Work related violence (PDF 268KB) free of charge from the RCN website. [See how to access PDF files].