Workplace Safety: A Rising Concern in Ireland

During busy shopping periods, such as Christmas, it is not uncommon for retail staff to experience verbal harassment and threats of violence from stressed shoppers. Whilst the majority of these intersections do not escalate to physical altercations, there is a concerning rise in retail staff experiencing violent acts.  

Alarmingly, 18% of retail workers in Northern Ireland reported suffering a violent attack in the past year - a sharp increase from 8% in 2022 (Usdaw). Furthermore, 61% of violent incidents in the sector were linked to shoplifting and armed robbery, with shoplifting in Northern Ireland having more than doubled since the pandemic, according to PSNI crime statistics. These figures paint a troubling picture for the retail sector, where workers face increasing risks to their safety while performing everyday duties. 

While many shops may have CCTV, it is less effective at preventing or de-escalating incidents compared to safety alarm systems. Our P2 alarm system can be effortlessly integrated with existing infrastructures like CCTV, allowing businesses to enhance their security measures seamlessly. 

Unfortunately, the retail sector is not alone in facing these challenges. Healthcare workers are facing an alarming rise in workplace violence, with nurses, paramedics, and other frontline staff bearing the brunt of the aggression. More than 50,000 attacks on healthcare staff have been reported in Northern Ireland over the past five years (ITV). Additionally, 4,106 nurses and midwives were assaulted in the workplace between January 2023 and February 2024, averaging just over 10 per day (Irish Examiner).  

These incidents exacerbate burnout and staff shortages and with industrial action taking place across the country, it is clear that healthcare staff are seeking improvements to their workplaces.  

To combat this, healthcare organisations are adopting de-escalation training, zero-tolerance policies, and tools like Pinpoint’s wearable alarms, which allow staff to discreetly summon help and ensure safer environments for both workers and patients. 

 Teachers and school staff are increasingly at risk of workplace violence, facing verbal abuse and, in some cases, physical assaults. Alarmingly, 1 in 5 education workers report being physically abused on a weekly basis, with 55% of primary school teachers having experienced assault in their workplace (The Irish News).  

In Northern Ireland, 51% of support staff in schools have been involved in physical incidents, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. (Safeguarding NI). In the Republic of Ireland, 58% of primary school teachers reported being exposed to physical aggression within the past 12 months, according to a survey conducted by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO).  

Online harassment has also become a growing challenge for educators. To address this, Northern Ireland’s Online Safety Strategy 2020–2025 focuses on building awareness among children, young people, and parents, while establishing quality standards for safer online practices. 

These incidents not only harm the mental health and wellbeing of staff but also disrupt the broader learning environment, making it essential to implement measures that protect education professionals and foster a safer atmosphere in schools. 

Workplace violence remains a critical issue in Ireland's prison sector, and with current issues of overcrowding across Ireland’s prisons, poses serious risks to both staff and inmates. In 2023, there were 110 reported assaults on prison staff, a slight decrease from 128 in 2022 Whilst this is a positive decrease, there is still a worrying increase in violence as prisoner-on-prisoner assaults have surged by 66% in recent years (RTÉ), reflecting rising tensions within facilities. 

Overcrowding is a major contributing factor, with Irish prisons regularly operating above 100% capacity throughout 2023 and into 2024 (Irish Penal Reform Trust). This excessive strain not only increases the likelihood of violence but also jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of prison officers tasked with maintaining control in such high-pressure environments.  

Pinpoint staff safety systems not only allow staff to call upon assistance when they have been victim of an assault, but allow prison staff the ability to call for help when the threat of violence emerges hence protecting both staff and inmates.  

Workplace violence affects employees across all industries, but Pinpoint’s Staff Safety Systems provide effective solutions to address these challenges.  

Pinpoint Ireland’s staff alarm systems provide a vital safety solution for workplaces at risk of violence. Our Personal Infrared Transmitters (PITs) are discreet, wearable alarms that staff can activate in emergencies to signal for immediate help. Once triggered, the system pinpoints the user’s exact location and alerts security teams via multiple devices within 85 milliseconds, enabling a swift, coordinated response. 

Covering all areas of a site, from meeting rooms to outdoor spaces, this system ensures comprehensive protection. By empowering staff to respond quickly and confidently, Pinpoint Ireland helps create safer working environments across all sectors. 

If you're responsible for ensuring workplace safety in any sector, from retail to healthcare, protecting your staff is crucial. Talk to the experts at Pinpoint Ireland for more information on staff safety alarm systems and how they can help de-escalate violent situations and protect your team.