The impact trade union may seek a compensation scheme for tax inspectors similar to that enjoyed by gardai who are injured in the course of their work. This is part of an overall campaign to improve safeguards and compensation for members.
Last year, over 170 assaults were reported to the Health and Safety Authority and incidents continue to increase. Nurses and ambulance drivers are the groups of IMPACT most at risk of being attacked at work, but social workers, fire-fighters and even tax inspectors face regular intimidation.
"A whole range of IMPACT members are now encountering intimidation, violence, or the threat of violence to themselves, their property or even their families," says the union's information officer, Mr Bernard Harbour.
He instanced one case earlier this year where a member at a residential centre for young offenders suffered a dislocated shoulder, bad bruising and serious trauma after being attacked by a 15-yearold girl. This, and other cases, are detailed in the latest issue of the union's monthly magazine, also called Impact.
Mr Stephen O'Neill, who represents IMPACT members in the health services says facilities are inadequate to deal with the threat of violence. "A judge's responsibility ends when he or she gives a custodial sentence. Our members then have a duty to try to rehabilitate.
"In the case of a small but increasing number of young offenders, staff come up against some shocking acts of violence and their ability to help or protect other teenagers in their care is compromised," he says.
Work in hospital casualty wards is another high-risk area. "On a Saturday night, it can resemble a well-lit nightclub - without the bouncers," says Mr Harbour.
Social workers have had to be relocated or even forced to move out of their family homes because of threats from violent clients or members of the client's family.
A videotape recording the movements of a tax inspector was found by gardai during a search in the home of a Dublin criminal. Copies of the tape are thought to have been distributed to other criminals in the city.
Rent collectors have been regular victims of armed robberies. Executive housing officers have been assaulted or threatened when serving notices to quit on problem tenants of local authorities.
Assaults on fire-fighters have been increasing. "It is almost accepted that Hallowe'en is a free-for-all attack on fire and ambulance services," says a fireman, Mr Mick Duffy. "But now we encounter mobs of anything from 20 to 30 people stoning crews as often as once a fortnight. It is a very strange thing to be sitting in a fire engine seeing a brick flying at you."
IMPACT says employers responses vary enormously. In the health area, the union has negotiated a scheme to cover absence from work by staff subject to serious assault. They receive full pay for six months and up to five-sixths of their remuneration if they are out longer. However, many residential care centres are outside the scheme because staff are not employed directly by the health boards.
In the Civil Service there is a general occupational injury scheme and some departments make additional payments of up to £1,000, says Mr Harbour. But given the increased prevalence and seriousness of assaults, IMPACT is now studying the feasibility of seeking a scheme similar to that of the gardai.