Sample work-related violence staff training program
While the actual content of your work-related violence training program will depend on the particular needs of your business and your workers, here are some key things that could be included so workers can understand, prevent and manage incidents of work-related violence:
Topic | Content |
---|---|
Outline of violence and aggression | The types of identified work-related violence risks, possible sources, causes and triggers |
Overview of possible violence and aggression issues | That are specific to your workplace (for example, clients, alcohol) |
Information on the legal rights of staff and clients | Regarding discrimination, harassment, assault, self-defence and protection of others |
Your workplace policies and procedures on work-related violence | The strategies in place to prevent and control the risks and how to implement these strategies, eg environmental design, workplace design, safe systems of work, operating security devices, reporting mechanisms, responsibilities. |
Dealing with difficult clients, customers and members of staff | The training should include how to recognise the signs of escalating behaviour, the warning signs/situations that may lead to assaults and strategies on how to de-escalate the aggressive behaviour |
What to do during a violent incident | Detail the response action plan for violent situations including availability of assistance; response to alarms; and communication procedures Where practicable, use role-plays to practice this as it is more realistic and enables workers to practice the physical actions that may be needed in extreme situations |
What to do after a violent incident | Include first aid, other impact management, incident reporting procedures, debriefing, counselling, compensation, legal assistance and review of control measures that were in place before the incident to determine what changes can be made to prevent similar incidents. |
Provide training in self-defence | If your business has an unavoidably higher than usual risk of aggression (for example, clients in health and community service organisations) you might provide training in self-defence. It is always preferable to withdraw from a violence situation. Self-defence can be used when the person under attack believes it is life threatening but the response should only be of sufficient force to enable the victim to escape further harm. |
Manager and supervisor training | Participants should have a thorough understanding of all of the above and must be trained in their specific duties |