3.7 Violence in the Workplace Policy

Management recognises that there may be a risk of violence and/or harassment for employees and is committed to reducing the risk of violence in the workplace. Management accepts that it may not be possible to prevent all incidents of violence at work but believes it is the responsibility of management to reduce the chances of it occurring and to minimise the consequences.

Management defines violence at work as any incident where an employee is threatened or assaulted in the circumstances relating to their employment. Violence can be:

• Verbal

• Threat of assault

• Actual assault (including sexual assault)

Management aims to decrease the potential for such instances by finding out if there is a problem and how serious it is by:

• Identifying the hazards

• Assessing the risks to health and safety

• Including this in the health and safety statement

• Implementing appropriate safeguards

• Providing appropriate training for staff

Employees are required to report any violent incidents on the Accident Report Form. The Manager maintains this form, and is available in the Forms section of this site. This is where any accidents, however minor, are recorded. Serious accidents at work must also be notified to the Health and Safety Authority.