Workplace Violence: Prevention & Response Guide

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behaviour that occurs at the workplace. This can involve employees, customers, clients, or even visitors.

Examples of Workplace Violence:

• Physical Assault: Hitting, shoving, or other aggressive physical contact.
• Verbal Threats: Expressing intent to harm someone verbally or in writing.
• Harassment: Repeated, unwanted behaviours, including bullying, stalking, or inappropriate remarks.
• Intimidation: Actions that create a fearful or hostile work environment.
• Property Damage: Vandalism or destruction of workplace assets.
• Workplace Homicide: The most extreme form of workplace violence.

Steps to Take If You Witness or Experience Workplace Violence

1. Remove Yourself from Danger: If possible, step away from the situation to a safe location.
2. Report the Incident: Notify a supervisor, manager, or HR representative as soon as possible.
3. Document the Incident: Write down what happened, including details such as date, time, location, and individuals involved.
4. Seek Support: Speak to HR, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or other support services if needed.
5. Follow Company Procedures: Cooperate with investigations and follow any additional safety protocols implemented.

Preventing Workplace Violence

• Promote a Positive Work Environment: Encourage open communication and respect among employees.
• Implement Clear Policies: Ensure all employees understand the company’s policies on workplace violence and acceptable behavior.
• Encourage Reporting: Foster a culture where employees feel safe to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Provide Training: Offer regular training sessions on recognizing and responding to potential violence.
• Enhance Security Measures: Install security cameras, maintain secure entry points, and provide emergency contact resources.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a duty to maintain a safe work environment. This includes:

• Establishing and enforcing workplace violence prevention policies.
• Providing training on handling conflicts and recognizing warning signs.
• Conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats.
• Ensuring all incidents are properly investigated and addressed.

Safety Matters offers a Prevention and Management of Aggression and Violence course, designed for public participation. This course is based on the HSE’s Policy on the Prevention and Management of Work-Related Aggression & Violence (2018), their Strategy for Managing Work-related Aggression and Violence within the Irish Health Service (2008), and the Mental Health Commission’s Code of Practice on the use of Physical Restraint.

Course Objectives:

• Equip learners with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to recognize early indicators of aggression.
• Teach assessment and de-escalation techniques to manage aggressive behaviours within workplace roles.
• Provide strategies to handle workplace aggression safely and effectively.

For more information or to enroll, please visit our training section.

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By staying informed and proactive, we can all contribute to a safer and more respectful workplace environment.