Responding to Violence in the Workplace

The policy and procedure created by your employer regarding workplace violence should be in writing and made available to you. Along with recognizing workplace violence as discussed above, this document should include the information below

Obtaining Assistance

• Employers must ensure that a worker who experiences workplace violence are advised to consult a health professional for treatment (OH & S Code Part 27)
• Early provision of victim support services will reduce the impact of a crisis

Reporting an Incident

• All incidents real or threatened must be reported and the details recorded
• Reporting employees must not fear criticism, penalties, judgment or loss of privacy

Investigating and Documenting

• An incident involving workplace violence constitutes an "accident that has the potential of causing serious injury to a worker" OH & S Act section 18(3)
• Investigation of the incident must occur, prepare a report which outlines events and corrective actions, keep it on file for a period of two years from the date of the incident and have it readily available for inspection by an Occupational Health and Safety Officer (OH & S Act Section 18 & 19)