Is workplace violence and aggression a work issue or a police issue?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 contains general duties and responsibilities placed upon people to ensure their own safety at work, and that of others who are at the workplace or who might be injured by the work. These duties extend to the prevention of workplace violence and aggression. Physical assault or the threat of physical harm of any form is a criminal act. Under these circumstances, the appropriate response is a direct complaint to the police. If a crime is happening or someone is immediate danger, contact emergency services by telephoning 000. After each violent or aggressive incident preventative measures should be reviewed to work out whether additional controls or changes to existing controls are required.
