What is a workplace violence policy?
A workplace violence policy outlines the procedures for reporting any threats or acts of violence. This policy can be incorporated into an employee handbook.
Why should I implement a workplace violence policy?
Having a workplace violence policy sends a strong message that the organisation takes safety seriously and is committed to providing a safe environment for its employees.
A policy can also help protect businesses from potential legal liability.
What should a workplace violence policy include?
The policy should set out the following:
Policy brief and purpose: Explain the reason for the policy. For example you want to provide your employees with a safe workplace and ask that all staff behave in a professional and respectful manner.
Scope: This is who the policy applies to. This will be anyone from employees, contractors, members of the public visiting, clients and anyone else your staff come into contact with during work.
Policy elements: Set out the types of behaviours you are referring to whether this is verbal or physical.
Set up some examples of violent behaviours that could occur among coworkers. For example:
- Bullying or harassing
- Abusive language
- Physical assault
- Sexual harassment
- Carrying or using a weapon
Grievance procedure: Set out the procedure for reporting any abusive behaviour whether that is as a witness, a suspect or a victim of violence. Explain the steps that will be taken to protect the victim. Ensure that any reporting system in place is confidential and is accessible to all employees.
Disciplinary consequences: Make it known that the organisation does not tolerate violence of any kind and outline the appropriate disciplinary actions for these behaviours including demotion, termination of contract and potential criminal charges. Create a timeline for completing investigations so staff know what the process will be.
How can I ensure my workplace violence policy is effective?
Tailor it to your organisation: A workplace violence policy needs to be tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation in order to be fully effective.
Keep it up to date: It is also essential that it is regularly updated to reflect changes in legislation or guidelines.
Communicate with staff: All staff members need to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to preventing and reporting incidents in the workplace.
Training program: You could establish a system for training staff on workplace violence. Identify which employees need to be trained and ensure training programs are regularly updated.
Disclaimer: This article’s purpose is to provide general guidelines and does not form part of any legal advice.
Workplace violence is a risk in any business, but sectors particularly affected include Prison and Probation Services, Social Care, Healthcare, Retail and Education. Riskex has experience in working with organisations across the UK in supporting them to better-manage violence related risks by digitising their workplace violence risk assessments.
For a no obligation discussion and demonstration of the AssessNET Risk Assessment module
