Violence at work

Surveys indicate that violence at the workplace has become more common in many countries, with Finland being no exception. Last year 5% of those in employment in Finland became the victims of violence, either at the workplace or while on their way to work. This means that some 111,000 workers are at risk of being attacked during the course of their work.

The risk of violence is highest for the police and for security guards but it is also a common threat to healthcare and social workers, waiters and shop assistants. Women are more likely to become the victims of violence at the workplace than are men. The attacker is in most cases a customer.