What Is Physical Assault
What is physical assault? In general terms it involves intentionally applying force to another person without their consent, and in most Australian jurisdictions it can also cover causing someone to apprehend immediate unlawful force.
That second limb is the part people find surprising. Contact is not always required. Raising a fist, blocking someone’s exit while advancing on them, or throwing an object toward a person can meet the threshold depending on the circumstances.
The precise definition and the categories of offence differ between states and territories, so the local position matters. Some jurisdictions separate common assault from aggravated forms based on injury, weapon or the identity of the person assaulted.
For a workplace, the practical consequence is that conduct staff describe as intimidating rather than physical may still be criminal, and treating it purely as a behavioural matter can understate it considerably.
Safe Work Australia covers violence and aggression as a work health and safety hazard. This is general information rather than legal advice.
See Sentrient’s occupational violence and aggression training and code of conduct training.
What Is Physical Abuse In The Workplace?
Physical abuse in the workplace is any form of physical violence or harm inflicted upon an employee by another person in the workplace. This can include things like hitting, pushing, shoving, or even throwing objects. Physical abuse can also include the use of weapons or the threat of violence. Physical abuse can have serious and […]
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