Workplace Violence Policy Template

Did you know these facts about Workplace Violence?

• According to statistics reported by Safe Work Australia in 2017, 37% of workers reported being sworn at or yelled at in the workplace.
• 39% of mental disorder claims were caused by bullying, harassment, or exposure to violence.
• A workplace violence policy is an official document that clearly defines how a company’s employees should refrain from violent behaviours in the workplace.
• Workplace violence policy is about how you protect and prevent your workplace from violence and provide your employees with a safe and healthy work environment.

Workplace Violence Policy overview

This workplace violence policy covers what workplace violence is and provides guidelines for the professional standards required within your organisation. It also provides guidelines about the measures to protect and prevent workplace violence.

This workplace violence policy template can be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation. You can change as little or as much of the content as you like. Some sections may be governed by state and federal legislation. It is important that you seek your own HR or legal advice, maintain this policy as legislation changes and adjust it to meet your requirements.

Target audience

This workplace violence policy template is suitable for all your employees, contractors, and volunteers. Once you have adjusted the workplace violence policy template to meet the specific requirements of your organisation, you can deliver it to new starters at induction and as refresher training on a regular basis.

Topics covered

The following topics are covered in this workplace violence policy:

• Defining workplace violence
• Measures to protect the workplace from violence
• Measures to prevent workplace violence
• Responsibility of employees
• Reporting incidents

Duration

This workplace violence policy will take approximately five minutes to complete.

Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes will be achieved upon completion of this workplace violence policy:

• Understand the expected professional standards of behaviour, health, and safety.
• Recognise the types of behaviour that constitute workplace safety.
• Understand that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Recognise personal responsibility to comply with this workplace violence policy.
• Know how to report known or suspected breaches of this workplace violence policy.
• Acknowledge that the workplace violence policy does not cover every possible event or action and that caution and common sense are required.

Business outcomes

Once all employees, contractors and volunteers have completed your workplace violence policy, the following business outcomes will be achieved for your organisation:

• Reduce the incidents of violence in your workplace.
• Mitigate the risk of legal liability associated with violence in your workplace.
• Protect your reputation from the damage caused by incidents of committing injurious acts in the workplace.
• Present a vision for professional standards in your workplace.
• Increase engagement by supporting a workplace culture that treats people fairly, respectfully, and encourages employee health and safety.
• Become an employer of choice.