The Safeguarding Challenge

Abstract

Evidence of the impacts of occupational violence and bullying on productivity, safety, health, reputation and market performance has led to increasing interest in safeguarding by management, employees, professional service providers and governments in recent years. An estimated 6% of European employees experience physical violence per year (2% from fellow workers, and 4% from ‘outsiders’) and at least 10% are subjected to bullying (Hoel et al, 2001). Costs have been estimated in excess of BP£1.17 million per 1,000 employees per annum (Rayner, 2000). Violent attacks by disgruntled employees, clients, or other outsiders can also threaten the viability of an enterprise.