Fortunately serious physical violence is still not very common in shops. However it does happen. Other more common forms of violence such as verbal abuse and intimidation can cause health problems and the fear of violence can cause a great deal of anxiety and stress. Just as for any other foreseeable hazard, employers have a legal duty to do what they can to reduce the risk. Government guidance, Preventing Violence to Retail Staff, HS(G) 133 spells out what they should do to meet their legal duty.