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OH&S - Occupational Violence

Occupational violence is any incident where an employee is physically attacked or threatened in the workplace . Threat means a statement or behaviour that causes a person to believe they are in danger of being physically attacked. Physical attack means the direct or indirect application of force by a person to the body of, or to clothing or equipment worn by, another person, where that application creates a risk to health and safety.

Occupational violence can be perpetrated by a co-worker (including a supervisor, manager or employer), a customer or client, a person known to the organisation or employee or a stranger. It can include:

• Confrontation with an armed person
• Confrontation with an unarmed person
• Armed Hold-Up
• Assault / Physical Injury (or the threat of physical injury or assault)
• Threatening the life of others or oneself
• Hostage / Kidnap scenarios

Employees are required to report any incident of occupational violence to their manager. Employees should also report any threats or 'near misses' by using the Incident Hazard Report Form. Employees have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to comply with any measures in place to promote health and safety within the workplace AND NOT TO PUT THEMSELVES OR THEIR COLLEAGUES AT RISK.

Any staff or students witnessing this type of situation should always alert SECURITY ON X 3333 IMMEDIATELY.