I've been hurt or threatened at work
Violence and aggression are not 'part of the job'. Your employer must assess the risks, put safety measures in place, and support you after an incident.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read. It includes a ready-made letter you can fill in.
Your rights
- A risk assessment for the people you support and the places you visit, with measures to keep you safe.
- Lone-working arrangements, such as check-in calls and a way to get help.
- Serious injuries must be reported to the HSE by your employer (for example, if you're off work for more than seven days).
- To report an assault to the police.
- Support after an incident, and a review of the risk assessment.
What to do next
- Get to safety first. Get medical help if you need it.
- Report the incident to your employer the same day, and keep a copy.
- Ask to see the risk assessment, and ask what will change.
- If nothing changes, raise a grievance or contact the HSE.
Say this
“I want this incident recorded, and the risk assessment reviewed before I go back to this visit.”
The law behind it (England)
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974s.2 employer's duty
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999Reg.3 risk assessment
- RIDDOR 2013 (reporting injuries at work)reporting serious injuries
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- Health and safety law is the same in Scotland.
- Wales
- Health and safety law is the same in Wales.
- Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland has equivalent law, enforced by HSENI.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- Being hurt is not part of your job.
- Your boss must keep you safe.
- They must check the risks and make changes.
What you can do
- Get safe. Get medical help if you need it.
- Report what happened the same day.
- You can tell the police.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.