In Brief: Violence in the workplace (guidance)

Everything you need to know about reducing workplace violence, in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea

Factors that can cause violence in the workplace are:

Risk factors causing violence include:

• Drink, drugs or inherent aggression/mental instability;
• Resentment (having no right to appeal decisions);
• Impatience;
• Frustration (due to lack of information or boredom); and
• Anxiety (lack of choice, lack of space).

Recommendations for employers include:

• Assess the risks to workers (including the risk of foreseeable violence), decide how significant these risks are, prevent or control the risks, and develop a clear management plan
• Consult with the workforce and their representatives about risk assessments and actions
• Ensure that everyone is aware of the violence prevention policy and their responsibilities
• Establish clear grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Control methods or risk reduction techniques include:

• Provide a clear statement to staff and service users that violence will not be tolerated and will be treated as a disciplinary offence (up to and including dismissal or, if appropriate, criminal action); together with information on how to report harassment and violence
• Be clear what constitutes unacceptable behaviour on the part of managers/other workers as well as service users or members of the public
• Monitor violent and abusive incidents to determine trends and actions that can be taken to mitigate them
• Provide a statement of the overall approach to preventing and dealing with the risks of harassment and violence, including training
• Provide advice to workers on relevant legislation applicable to them/their responsibilities within the workplace
• Advise that the victim keep a diary of all incidents (and possible witnesses) and copies of anything that is relevant
• Provide support to the victim
• Include information as to how the policy is to be implemented, reviewed and monitored
• Make clear that false (i.e. malicious) accusations will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

A full briefing on Violence in the workplace is available through the Barbour EHS service.

The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!

The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!

Listen here!