The study says available data shows a clear upward trend in bullying, harassment and intimidation of workers. In Europe, for example, more than 10 percent of the workforce is affected.

In developing nations, women, migrants and children are among the most vulnerable segments of the population, with workplace sexual harassment and abuse reported as major problems in places like South Africa, Malaysia and Kuwait.

The study notes that while security and police personnel are most likely to be subject to on the job violence, health workers and those employed in the transportation industry are increasingly becoming victims of workplace violence.

Occupations once widely regarded as "safe," such as teaching, social services, library services and healthcare are now marred by increasing levels of violence in rich and poor countries alike.

The ILO estimates that workplace violence costs between 0.5 and 3.5 percent of countries' gross national products in absenteeism, sick leave and decreased productivity.

(Source: http://www.ft.com)