Prevention > The Work Environment
The Work Environment
Workplace violence involves a wide range of behaviour, from threats and verbal abuse to physical assault and sexual or racial harassment. It can be carried out by customers, suppliers or colleagues.
Your employer has a duty to protect you wile you are at work and should have a policy for dealing with the risk of violence to staff.
You can help reduce your personal risk by planning strategies to deal with situations before they happen.
- Check which areas of your organizations policy on preventing work-related violence are relevant to you and your work.
- Make sure you know which procedures to follow if an incident happens.
- Be aware of risk factors and the possible causes of violence arising from the work you are doing.
- If you work alone or away from your workplace, try to make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to come back.
- You may feel safer carrying a cell phone.
If you do find yourself in a situation that could turn violent:
- Try to stay calm.
- Be aware of you body language and the other persons.
- Try to keep a safe distance between you and avoid physical contact if possible.
- If you cannot calm the situation down, call for help or look for opportunities to move away.
- Report all incidents to your employer.
For more information contact:
The RCIPS on 949-4222
Employment Relations: 945-3114
Employee Assistance Programme: 949-9559
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