§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people were assaulted at work, by industry, for each of the last 10 years; and what plans the Government have to improve the protection of people at work from such attacks. [761]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, amended with effect from 1 April 1996, now require serious injuries to people caused by non-consensual physical acts of violence, and arising out of or in connection with work, to be reported. The figures for such reported incidents will not be available until next year, when they will be published by the Health and Safety Executive.
The HSE has recently published new guidance for employers on dealing with violence at work, as well as producing sector specific guidance in areas of increased risk—these include retail, the health services, the education sector and banks and building societies.