§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures have been introduced to reduce violence at work. [103560]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is committed to tackling the problem of work-related violence. In March 2000, HSC agreed a three-year programme to help reduce the number of incidents of violence at work. So far the programme has resulted in the publication of new guidance specifically aimed at small businesses; the development of new National Occupational Standards on work-related violence; a programme of inspections in the health care sector; new research to establish good practice for lone workers; and a major conference run jointly by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the TUC to help raise awareness of violence in the workplace.
HSE has published general guidance for employers to help them tackle work-related violence, in accordance with their duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. HSE has also published sector-specific guidance covering health services, education, retail, banks and building societies.