Under health and safety law you have both rights and responsibilities.

You have a right to be able to work in a safe environment where risks to your health and wellbeing are considered and dealt with effectively.

Take a look at the link to the TUC checklist for all you need to know to risk assess in your workplace for verbal and physical abuse. This could provide vital evidence to take to your employer:

• TUC Know Your Rights Checklist

Your employer must make sure you are not injured or made ill at work, and train you to deal with health and safety issues such as abusive behaviour from your customers. 

You must work safely by co-operating with your employer and following safety guidelines, and refuse to do something if you believe it endangers you or a fellow worker.