Workplace violence is a serious issue and must never be tolerated. Any violent, aggressive, or threatening behaviour should be addressed immediately to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Types of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can take many forms. Some examples include:

1. Physical Aggression

This involves any act of physical harm or threats of violence. Even if no physical contact occurs, threats should always be taken seriously and reported immediately.

2. Acts of Violence

Violence in the workplace is not always physical. Other harmful behaviours can include:

• Sexual harassment or assault
• Psychological abuse
• Neglect

All forms of violence should be reported as soon as possible.

3. Intimidation

Intimidation refers to behaviour that causes another person to feel threatened or fearful. This can include:

• Emotional or verbal abuse
• Physical intimidation
• Sexual harassment
• Depending on the situation, intimidation may also be considered harassment under workplace laws.

4. Threats

Threats—whether verbal or written—should never be ignored. If a colleague threatens to harm you, themselves, your property, or another worker, report it immediately.

5. Disruptive Behaviour

Disruptive behaviour, such as aggressive outbursts, bullying, or intentionally distracting colleagues, can create an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.

Employer Responsibility

Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe workplace. A zero-tolerance policy for violence should be in place, and any concerns should be reported to management. Often, supervisors are unaware of incidents unless they are reported.

How to Handle Workplace Violence in the Moment

If you find yourself in a situation where workplace violence occurs:

• Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation
• Do not engage in arguments or retaliate
• Remove yourself from the situation if possible
• Get the attention of a colleague if you feel unsafe
• Report the incident as soon as possible

What to Do If You Experience Workplace Violence

If you experience violence at work, report it to your supervisor immediately. You may be asked to provide a written statement to document the incident so appropriate action can be taken.

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment. While they may not be responsible for the initial act of violence, they must take steps to address the issue and support those affected.

Effects of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can have lasting effects, including:

• Difficulty concentrating at work
• Increased anxiety or stress
• Feelings of insecurity in the workplace

Always Report Workplace Violence and Never Retaliate

If you experience workplace violence, it can be tempting to retaliate. However, this can escalate the situation. Instead, focus on staying safe and reporting the incident as soon as possible.

If you ever experience workplace violence or feel unsafe at work, please reach out to your Fetch consultant for support.

At Fetch Recruitment, we prioritise safety with regular toolbox talks. If you have any concerns or need support, reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help.