Violence at Work by Duncan Chappell and Vittorio Di Martino 2nd edition, International Labour Office, Geneva ISBN 92-2-110840-6, SFr 25.00 (a French edition is also available)

[ Violence at work menu ]

A series of tragedies has helped to focus international attention on violence of work. The workplace has traditionally been viewed as a relatively benign and violence-free environment, in which confrontation and dialogue form part of normal operations. Workers and managers are often faced with personal and work-related problems, but dialogue usually prevails over confrontation. People manage to organize efficient and productive activities within the workplace. Sometimes, however, this fails to develop in a positive way; relationships between workers, managers, clients or the public deteriorate, and the objectives of working efficiently and achieving results are affected. When this occurs, as it seems to be with increasing frequency, violence may enter the workplace and make it a hostile and hazardous setting.

Based on rich case-study material, further updated for this new edition, this ILO report addresses workplace violence and is intended to constitute a stimulus for action. It is centred on the analysis of existing literature and information, deliberately avoiding the more "sensational' presentations of violence. The book focuses on those data, experiences and publications which best help to explain and interpret the roots of violence of work, and to promote proactive initiatives. It provides worldwide coverage, as violence at work is found in both developing and industrialized nations. However, it concentrates mainly on industrialized countries, where workplace violence is better documented and the field of investigation more homogenous.

The report is intended to provide a basis for understanding the nature of workplace violence, and to suggest ways of preventing it in the future. It highlights best practice and successful methods of prevention, illustrating the positive lessons to be drawn from such experience. It is directed towards all those engaged in combating violence at work: policy-makers in government agencies, employers' and workers' organizations, health and safety professionals, consultants, trainers, management and workers' representatives.

The report is structured in three parts:

• Part I is devoted to understanding violence of work. It covers the changing profile of violence; the commitment of the ILO in this area; an analysis of data displaying patterns and trends; areas and occupations most affected, vulnerable situations and groups; the social and economic costs of violence for individuals, the enterprise and the community; and various explanations of causes.
   
• Part II examines different types of response to violence at work, and identifies the best solutions. It includes an analysis of legislative and regulatory interventions; adaptation of existing legislation; emergence of specific legislation; growing attention to prevention strategies; new collective agreements to combat workplace violence; an analysis of policies and guidelines; their main messages about how to tackle violence at work effectively; guidance for specific occupations and specific types of violence.
   
• Part III considers the key lessons to be drawn, highlights the main messages, and suggests specific and practical action based on successful experience.
   

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