Violence in the workplace can have a devastating impact on employees, businesses, and communities. It can lead to injuries, death, property damage, lost productivity, and decreased morale. 

There are a number of factors which can contribute to workplace violence, including: 

• The nature of the work (e.g., working with the public, handling money, or providing services or care) 

• The work environment (e.g., poorly lit or isolated areas) 
• The presence of weapons 
• Personal or workplace conflicts 
• Mental health issues 
• Substance abuse 

How Employers can protect employees from workplace violence: 

• Establish a workplace violence prevention policy. This should outline the employer’s commitment to preventing violence and should define what constitutes workplace violence. It should also include procedures for reporting and investigating incidents of violence, as well as for providing support to victims. 
• Train employees on workplace violence prevention. Employees should be trained on the different types of workplace violence, the signs of potential violence, and how to respond to incidents of violence. 
• Implement security measures. Security measures can help to deter and prevent workplace violence. These measures may include security cameras, access control systems, and workplace lighting. 
• Create a positive work environment. This includes addressing conflict promptly and fairly and promoting respect and understanding among employees. 

• Screen employees. Employers may want to consider screening job applicants for a history of violence or mental health issues. 
• Respond promptly to incidents of violence. This includes providing medical attention to victims, investigating the incident, and taking steps to prevent future incidents. 

Additional tips for protecting employees from workplace violence: 

• Encourage employees to report any suspicious or threatening behaviour to their supervisor or another trusted coworker. 
• Provide employees with a means to contact security or emergency services quickly. 

• Create a culture of respect and civility in the workplace. 
• Address workplace conflicts promptly and fairly. 
• Provide employees with access to mental health resources. 
• Monitor the workplace for potential hazards that could contribute to violence. 

Workplace violence is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on employees, businesses, and communities. By taking steps to prevent workplace violence, employers can help to create a safe and violence-free workplace for their employees. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering risk of violence 

• Management system to document control the policy on workplace violence 
• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on workplace violence 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving challenging and/or violent behaviour both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding human behaviour / perceived risk of violence to the organisation 

• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software