Preventing workplace violence

Work-related violence is any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work. This definition covers a broad range of actions and behaviours that can create a risk to the health and safety of workers. Some industries describe behaviours that fit this definition as ‘acting out’, ‘challenging behaviour’ or ‘behaviours of concern’.

Examples of work-related violence include:

• biting, spitting, scratching, hitting, kicking
• throwing objects
• pushing, shoving, tripping, grabbing
• verbal threats, armed robbery, sexual assault
• attacking with knives, guns, clubs or any type of weapon.