Violence and threats of violence

The risk of violence and threats at work is a major work environment problem in many workplaces and the risks exist in many industries. But with god preventive work, a safe workplace can be created. For example, many situations of violence and threats can be avoided with adapted premises and well planed work routines.

Who is at risk of being exposed to violence and threats of violence?

The types of violence or threats of violence that can occur in the workplace depend on the profession, industry and tasks. Here we describe some different tasks and work environments where violence or the threat of violence can occur.

  • Those who handle money or other valuable items at work, such as cashiers and drivers of cash-in-transit vehicles, are at risk of being robbed. However, as the use of cash has decreased in recent years, cash robberies have become less common.

    Those whose work involves transporting valuables still risk being exposed to violence or threats of violence at work.

    Transport of valuables – high risk of violence and threats of violence

  • Working with people

    Occupational groups that have a lot of direct contact with people can be exposed to violence and threats. This could include, for example, employees in schools, health care and social services. State and local government officials, such as animal welfare inspectors and transport workers, are also at risk.

    In the context of service provision or the exercise of public authority, caseworkers may also be subject to aggressive behaviour, threats and violence or other undue influence from members of the public, clients, patients or relatives. Those who threaten or resort to violence may, for example, be people under the influence of drugs or suffering from mental health problems.

    Violence and threats can be difficult to predict. They do not need to be linked to individual employees but can sometimes be targeted at specific professional roles and organisations. Managers, receptionists, employees of religious communities, the judiciary, public authorities and employees of refugee centres, for example, are particularly vulnerable.

  • It can happen that one or more people "take over" a public place such as a library, a school, an emergency department, a train or a bus. The threat to employees can be very subtle and the threats are not always openly stated.

  • Employees with little experience and limited knowledge are at greater risk of being subjected to violence and threats. This applies to knowledge and experience in the professional field, as well as how to deal with conflicts.

  • Some workplaces are more affected by violence and threats, for example workplaces that are located in remote or crime-ridden areas.

  • Working alone can pose an increased risk of violence and threats, especially if the employee is handling something that could be attractive to thieves or encounters people who may be violent, ill or under the influence of drugs. For some employees, the risk may be most tangible at night.

  • High workload and time pressure can increase the risk of being exposed to violence or threats of violence when working with, for example, care recipients.

Threats of violence on social media or the telephone

When communicating with people, for example when exercising authority and other client-facing work, there is a risk of being exposed to threats of violence on social media or over the telephone.

The risk of violence can be  part of the work

For police officers, for example, violence can be an inevitable part of the job. It is then important to work to prevent employees from being harmed.

Get a better work environment through systematic work

As an employer, you must manage the work environment in a systematic way in order to improve it. Our provisions on systematic work environment management apply to all employers – regardless of the type of activities conducted or the risks that you and your employees may be exposed to.

The employer has a responsibility to prevent risks of violence and threats

As an employer, you are responsible for reducing the risk of violence and threats, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act (1977:1160) and other work environment regulations such as the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions and general guidelines (AFS 2023:2) Planning and organisation of work environment management – basic obligations for those with employer responsibility.

In the workplace, there should be known procedures for how to handle violence and threats, regardless of where these occur, for example on the internet. The procedures should clearly state that you as an employer do not accept that your employees are exposed to threats of violence.

Employees and safety representatives are important for a good work environment

Employees and safety representatives have an important role in work environment management. As an employer, you must give all employees the opportunity to participate in work environment management. For example, you can let employees suggest measures or provide feedback on measures you have implemented.

Employees' participation in work environment management

As an employee, you must participate in work environment management and participate in implementing the measures needed to achieve a good work environment. You must follow the employer's instructions. You must also report to your employer or your safety representative if the work involves immediate and serious danger to life or health.

Young people must not be subjected to risks of violence and threats

Young people under the age of 18 are not allowed to work in jobs where there is a risk that they may be exposed to violence and threats.

Conflicts of interest between different laws

Work with people is governed by several different laws. Partly laws that cater to the interests of users, patients and clients, and partly the Work Environment Act that regulates the work environment for employees. It is important to know that the laws within healthcare, social care and social services apply in parallel without any of them having priority over the Work Environment Act. Sometimes there can be a conflict between desires for how work should be carried out and a good work environment. It is then up to the employer to find special solutions that do not risk the health of the employees.

Read more about preventing violence and threats of violence

Work systematically to reduce the risk of violence and threats of violence

Transport of valuables – high risk of violence and threats of violence

If violence or the threat of violence occurs

Support and tools from knowledge organisations

Prevent has developed a checklist, industry-specific online training courses and several other tools that you can use to support your work.

The safety dialogue is a tool from Suntarbetsliv that makes it easier for workplaces to prevent threats and violence. It includes support and assistance before, during and after an incident.

The Social Partners’ Council has produced a working document for local partners with examples of undue influence and help to discuss and deal with the issue.

Last updated 2025-12-22