Occupational violence

Queensland Health is committed to providing safe workplaces where employees, patients, consumers and visitors are treated with dignity and respect. Occupational violence can have significant impacts on the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees and may affect workplace safety, morale and service delivery.

As a leader, you play an important role in preventing occupational violence, supporting affected employees, and fostering a workplace culture where safety concerns are reported and addressed appropriately.

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Occupational violence

Is any incident where an employee is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in circumstances arising out of, or in the course of, their work.

Occupational violence may include:

  • Physical assault or attempted assault.

  • Verbal abuse, threats or intimidation.

  • Aggressive or hostile behaviour.

  • Harassment or bullying from patients, consumers, visitors or others.

  • Damage to personal property associated with a violent incident.

Note

Occupational violence can occur face-to-face, over the phone, online or through other forms of communication.

Key considerations

  • Occupational violence can occur in any work setting and may range from low-level aggression to serious physical violence.

  • Exposure to occupational violence can affect employees differently and impacts may not be immediately apparent.

  • Employees may under report incidents if they believe violence is simply part of the job.

  • Psychological impacts can persist even when no physical injury has occurred.

  • Preventing occupational violence requires both proactive risk management and effective incident response.

  • It should be viewed as a workplace safety risk, not an expected aspect of healthcare work.

As a leader

  • Promote a workplace culture where violence and aggression are not accepted as part of the job.

  • Encourage employees to report occupational violence, hazards and near misses.

  • Respond promptly to incidents and ensure employee safety is prioritised.

  • Follow local reporting, escalation and incident management processes.

  • Support employees affected by occupational violence and connect them with appropriate support services.

  • Participate in risk assessments and implement controls to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

Why it's important

  • Occupational violence can have serious physical and psychological impacts on employees.

  • Safe workplaces contribute to employee wellbeing, engagement and retention.

  • Early reporting and intervention help prevent escalation and future incidents.

  • Effective management of occupational violence supports a positive safety culture.

  • Employees who feel safe and supported are better able to provide quality care and services.

  • Learning from incidents helps strengthen workplace safety and risk management practices.

Training

  • All staff are required to complete the Department of Health mandatory training - Keeping You Safe.