Posted By RA Hi All, Following two recent dismissals in two different countries on construction sites our managers have been subject to physical acts of violence from the guys getting the sack. These 2 seperate incidents have both happened this week. Now to keep it in context it has never happened before, but today I brought it to the board and said it must be stamped out by pressing charges for any future incidents- but the powers that be in no uncertain terms said it was up to the individual!! To be honest this angers me because if it gets around that we are seen as soft touches this could become the normal behaviour from anyone getting the sack. I have spoken to the two managers that received the blows- no injuries have been sustained and they do not want to proceed any further with this. I am feeling rather on an island with this one- has anyone else ever had the same type of situation and really what can you do when you don't have the backing from the board? Now I need sensible answers here because I do not wish to lose my job. RA

Posted By Peter Longworth I can see your problem with regard to the board's stance but in this country at least they are quite right, ultimately it is up to the individual to decide if they wish to press charges. However there are some things that you can do. Get the board to agree to a policy of actively supporting and encouraging people to press charges if subject to violent attacks or intimidation. Provide conflict management training to all managers and supervisory staff to enable them to handle situations in a more controlled way. Ensure that security staff are present in instances where disciplinary action are dismissal are being considered. Ensure that individuals who have been dismissed are escorted from site in a controlled way

Posted By RA Can the company not take legal action against an individual for violent conduct? One of the madmen was an employee and the other was a sub-contractor. Ali, that link you sent doesn't appear to exist anymore. Yes we do have the policy on violence but to be honest the victims are men have old school ideas(although one is young in years- twenties) on this type of thing- they would see it as "yellow" if they went to the cops. I have sat down with both victims and talked it all over and explained that it is unacceptable and that the policy is to be followed, but without solid backing from the board I feel like I am being a jobsworth on this one. Oooh not a good feeling for a Friday- roll on the weekend!! Thanks, A slightly demoralised RA

Posted By Steve B RA, like the others I am with you on this one. You could probably go back to basics with the board and remind them (diplomatically) that they have a duty under section 2 of HASAWA for the health safety and welfare of all their employees. These assaults now make violence a forseeable hazard and the company need to take action to ensure this does not reoccur otherwise the next employee who is assaulted may take a civil action against the board for neglect. and considering it has happened twice before they would have a good case. Regards Steve

Posted By Jeffrey Watt RA My ex-colleagues in the US had a specific slide in their contractor induction about guns being banned from site. There would be a lot of "Awwww shucks do we have to?" complaints from a few individuals. Maybe worth revisiting your subies induction in light of this incident. Again have had same problem re violence to staff by public. We support (train before hand and provide counselling after an event) but cannot force anyone to press charges. You may suffer from the spectre of paramilitaries so you cannot force an individual to go further. Best of luck RA Jeff

Posted By Gilly Margrave HSE defines work related violence as "Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work". Clearly if he/she/they were assaulted as a result (sacking workers) which they had undertaken in the course of their duties it would be covered even if it did not happen on or near the work premises. Gilly

Posted By steve e ashton There MAY be another way of preventing this problem recurring - Don't sack people (in the same way) again. Why did the individuals feel the need to resort to violence - and whay didn't management foresee this response and implement appropriate countermeasures (eg interpersonal skills training for supervisors) Your 'old school' managers may simply be too direct and insenstive? I must emphasise (before nayone jumps on me for it) I am NOT 'blaming' the victims of these incidents - Lack of policy or training is a senior management failing..... Just a thought Steve

Posted By anon1234 Have the directors considered the possible implications the other way around that those who have been assaulted and have not been provided and reasonable level of protection or support by the company may have a case for a claim against the business - even if it is only constructive dismissal if an employee leaves because the business are seen to some extent condone the violence by their inaction

Posted By Stuart James Gornall RA I verbally challenged an employee on a significant breach of safety rules in the summer and was subsequently physically attacked. I am pressing charges and the person in question is being prosecuted. You are absolutely right to raise this issue. Our job is hard enough without being subjected to physical violence. Your Companys attitude is quite astounding. Due to the lack of support my advice would be to look for another job