Hi Sheila, can you refuse to go to a client if they are physically violent? And can you leave the premises?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear M,

Thank you for your question.

It is of course a difficult question to answer.

This is something that you must discuss with the Registered Manager of your service.

The service has an important responsibility to you as an employee as well as to the service user for whom you care but your service should also have a policy on this.

If your service has the Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) policies and procedures then they will have policy QQ06 Management and Prevention of Violence at Work.

There will be a policy and the terms of the policy should be followed by the management of the service to deal with the client who is being physically violent.

Of course you shouldn’t have to face physical violence at any time so the matter needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

There is additional advice for employers on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website:

Violence at work: A guide for employers

With best wishes.

Sheila