5.5 Violence at work

Written by Imran Qureshi (NEBOSH)

NEBOSH IGC · Workplace hazards · 15 questions

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

Which group faces a higher risk of violence at work?
- A Those who handle money or valuables
- B Roof workers only
- C Drivers of cranes only
- D Warehouse stackers only
Violence at work includes:
- A Only physical assault
- B Verbal abuse and bullying
- C Only theft
- D Only damage to property
A physical control to reduce violence is:
- A Louder music
- B Counters and barriers
- C Fewer staff
- D Less lighting
Which of these is a form of violence at work?
- A A routine meeting
- B A shift change
- C Verbal abuse
- D A training course
Which worker is at higher risk of violence?
- A A customer service worker who deals with angry people
- B A data entry worker in a quiet back office
- C A warehouse worker who never meets the public
- D A technician in a sealed laboratory
A zero tolerance message in a policy means that:
- A Some violence is allowed
- B Staff may reply with violence
- C Reports are discouraged
- D Violence against staff will not be accepted
Which of these is a physical design control?
- A A longer shift
- B A new uniform colour
- C A bonus
- D Counters, barriers and good lighting
A safe system of work to reduce violence could include:
- A Working alone at night with no contact
- B Not working alone and agreed meeting arrangements
- C Carrying more cash
- D Meeting strangers in private places
Training in conflict management helps staff to:
- A Use force
- B Calm situations before they become violent
- C Avoid reporting
- D Carry weapons
After a violent incident, the organisation should:
- A Report it and give support to the person
- B Ignore it
- C Blame the victim
- D Hide the report
Cashless methods reduce the risk of violence because:
- A They make shifts longer
- B They remove all customers
- C They remove the need for a risk assessment
- D There is less cash to steal
Which of these is a consequence of violence at work?
- A Absence and staff turnover
- B Higher morale
- C Lower noise
- D Lower insurance
Bullying at work is classed as:
- A A hearing hazard
- B A form of vibration
- C A form of violence at work
- D A manual handling task
A risk assessment for violence should look at:
- A Only the weather
- B Only the policy
- C The tasks and places where violence is likely
- D Only the pay
CCTV and alarms are examples of:
- A Controls that deter and help respond to violence
- B Methods for fire alarms only
- C Cleaning methods
- D Training aids only

Answer key

1. A, 2. B, 3. B, 4. C, 5. A, 6. D, 7. D, 8. B, 9. B, 10. A, 11. D, 12. A, 13. C, 14. C, 15. A

Handling money or valuables increases the risk.
It includes physical, psychological and verbal violence.
Design can protect staff.
Violence includes physical violence, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and bullying.
Customer facing roles carry a higher risk.
A clear policy gives direction.
Design reduces the chance of attack.
Procedures reduce exposure.
It gives skills to de-escalate.
Support and reporting help prevent more incidents.
Fewer robberies reduce the risk.
Violence harms health and can damage reputation.
Psychological abuse and bullying are included.
It covers tasks and locations.
They support physical security.