ABSTRACT
Once it has been recognized that employers and employees both have a duty in respect of safe working practices, and that not combating violence at work has potentially serious costs, many organizations start to take positive steps to tackle the problems. Social workers need to feel confident that they can depend on management to be supportive and responsive to their needs. A successful safety strategy requires a holistic approach which affects all areas of work and all levels of staff. It is important before embarking on an audit to be clear about the information needed. A simple, straightforward approach generates information that can be readily analysed and acted upon. An investigation does not have to be a complex or long-winded process; frequently the simple, straightforward approach generates information that can be readily analysed and acted upon.
