How To Deal With Physical Abuse In The Workplace

Physical abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on both the victim and the organisation. It is important to know how to recognise and deal with physical abuse in the workplace to create a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. 

Steps for Workers

If anyone is in immediate danger, get to a safe place and call 000. Once you are safe, these steps help. If you are not sure whether what happened counts, our guide on what physical abuse in the workplace is sets out the examples.

• Recognise the signs of physical abuse: Some of the signs of physical abuse in the workplace include bruises, cuts, broken bones, or any other physical injuries. Other signs may include fear or anxiety when around certain individuals, changes in behaviour or work performance, and reluctance to come to work or participate in certain activities. 
• Report the abuse: If you or someone you know is experiencing physical abuse in the workplace, it is important to report it to the proper authorities. This may include your supervisor, human resources, or the police. Be sure to document any incidents of abuse, including dates, times, and a detailed description of what occurred. 
• Seek support: If you are a victim of physical abuse in the workplace, it is important to seek support from friends, family, and professionals. This may include talking to a counsellor or therapist, joining a support group, or reaching out to organisations that specialise in helping victims of abuse. 
• Create a safety plan: If you fear for your safety, it’s important to create a safety plan. This plan should include steps to stay safe, such as avoiding certain areas of the workplace or arranging for a ride home. It may also include emergency contact information and a list of people to call if you feel unsafe. 
• Address the root cause: To prevent physical abuse from happening again, it is important to address the root cause of the abuse. This may involve changes in the workplace culture, implementing policies and procedures to protect employees, or providing training to employees on how to recognise and prevent abuse. 

Steps for Employers After an Incident

Employers have a duty to respond quickly and fairly. A practical order of steps:

1. Make the area safe: separate the people involved and give first aid.
2. Call police if a crime may have occurred: use 000 in an emergency.
3. Check whether it is notifiable: a serious injury usually has to be reported to your WHS regulator straight away, and the site preserved. See our guide to notifiable incidents in Australia.
4. Support the worker: offer medical help, time off, access to an Employee Assistance Program and a workers’ compensation claim form.
5. Investigate fairly: take statements, keep records and give the person accused a chance to respond.
6. Fix the cause: review your risk controls for violence and aggression, such as staffing, security, training and work design.
7. Record and follow up: log the incident and check in with the worker in the weeks after.

Your Rights as a Worker

• Stopping unsafe work: under work health and safety laws, a worker can cease or refuse work if they have a reasonable concern that it would expose them to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent hazard. They must tell the employer and stay available for other safe work.
• Workers’ compensation: injuries from a workplace assault, including psychological injuries, may be covered by workers’ compensation.
• Protection for speaking up: raising a safety concern or making a complaint is protected, and an employer must not take action against you for doing so.

Support Services

If you need to talk to someone, Lifeline offers 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue is available on 1300 22 4636. For non-urgent police matters, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Conclusion

In conclusion, physical abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. It is important to recognise the signs of abuse, report it to the proper authorities, seek support, create a safety plan, and address the root cause of the abuse. By taking these steps, we can work together to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I report a workplace assault to the police?

You can, and in an emergency you should call 000. Assault is a criminal offence. Reporting to police is separate from reporting to your employer, so you can do both.

Can I stop working if I feel unsafe?

Under work health and safety laws, you can cease or refuse work if you have a reasonable concern that it would expose you to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent hazard. Tell your employer, and stay available for other safe work.

Can I claim workers’ compensation after being assaulted at work?

Often, yes. Physical and psychological injuries from a workplace assault may be covered. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and check the rules with your state or territory workers’ compensation scheme.

What if the person who hurt me is a customer or client?

The same steps apply. Employers must manage the risk of violence from customers, clients and patients, not just from co-workers, so report it in the same way.

Sources

Safe Work Australia, Workplace violence and aggression

Safe Work Australia, Workplace violence and aggression: advice for workers

Safe Work Australia, Incident notification resources

Federal Register of Legislation, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (section 84)

Lifeline Australia

Last reviewed: October 2026

Read More About Physical Harassment:

• What Are Examples Of Physical Harassment In The Workplace
• How To Deal With Physical Abuse In The Workplace
• What Is Physical Abuse In The Workplace?
• How To Identify, Prevent, And Respond To Physical Harassment In The Workplace
• How To Deal With Verbal Abuse In The Workplace?