€30,000 Payout for Workplace Assault—Could This Happen to Your Business?

Workplace Violence & Aggression: A Legal & Financial Risk Employers Can't Ignore

Workplace violence and aggression are growing concerns in Ireland, affecting multiple sectors and posing significant risks to employee well-being and business operations. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, and failure to do so can lead to lawsuits, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

Recent Irish legislation and case law highlight the urgent need for businesses to implement effective prevention strategies. Here's what every employer should know.

📜 The Legal Obligations for Employers

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of their employees. This includes preventing improper conduct or behaviour, such as workplace violence and harassment (Health and Safety Authority, 2023).

Additionally, Ireland ratified the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment (No. 190) in 2021. This reinforces every worker's right to a safe and respectful workplace, regardless of their role or industry (Gov.ie, 2021).

📢 New Legislation: Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023

A key development in Irish employment law is the introduction of paid domestic violence leave under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Employees experiencing domestic violence now have the right to five days of paid leave per year, recognising the impact of personal safety on workplace performance (Citizens Information, 2023).

⚖️ Case Studies: The Cost of Ignoring Workplace Violence

🏬 Retail Worker Awarded €30,000 After Assault

A retail worker in Ireland was awarded €30,000 in damages after suffering a traumatic assault by a customer. The court found the employer liable for failing to provide adequate violence prevention training, which could have mitigated the incident (The Irish Times, 2023).

🏥 HSE Report: Violence is the Top Workplace Hazard for Healthcare Workers

According to a 2023 report by the Health Service Executive (HSE), workplace violence, aggression, and harassment remain the highest reported causes of harm for healthcare staff. Despite efforts to reduce incidents, frontline workers—particularly in nursing, healthcare assistance, and emergency services—continue to face daily risks (Medical Independent, 2023).

🔑 Prevention Strategies: What Employers Must Do

To mitigate workplace violence risks, employers should implement:

✅ Comprehensive Risk Assessments – Identify high-risk areas and take preventive action.
✅ Clear Workplace Policies – Establish a zero-tolerance policy on violence and harassment.
✅ Employee Training Programmes – Equip staff with de-escalation skills and personal safety techniques.
✅ Post-Incident Support – Provide affected employees with access to counselling and legal assistance.

💡 Investing in training is not just about compliance—it's about protecting your employees and your business.

🚀 Take Action: Book Your Training Today!

At SuccessPro Training & Consulting, we specialise in Prevention & Management of Aggression & Violence (PMAV) training. Our courses help businesses:

🔹 Prevent conflicts before they escalate
🔹 Train staff to handle aggressive situations safely
🔹 Ensure legal compliance & risk reduction

📢 Don't wait until an incident happens! Secure your workplace today.

📍 Book your training now: https://www.successpro.ie/prevention-and-management-of-aggression-and-violence/

EMAIL info@successpro.ie or CALL 085 734 3456

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