Workplace violence has become a tragic reality today. From minor instances of harassment to homicide today's workplace is littered with danger.

Violence can be described as the unjust or unwarranted use of force and power. Many people in their workplaces are the victims of violence, including verbal abuse, threats, harassment, physical assault, serious bodily injury and death.

We know that violence can occur in any occupation and in a variety of situations. It can be internal to the workplace, or external, such as from a client or visitor.

We appear to live in a society that experiences queue rage, road rage, work rage, a distinct lack of matters and courtesy, unkindness, indifference and anger.

Violence includes acts of verbal, physical and psychological intimidation.

We seem to live on the edge! Incidences of violence against women have dramatically increased.

Do you have an obligation to protect your Workers?

Most government places a requirement on Employers not to place workers, members of the public or volunteer workers at risk.

Managing Potential Workplace Violence

You business must consult with your workers and other parties to the workplace to develop violence control strategies.

Identifying sources of violence

Identify the tasks, work areas, instances and environments where people are likely to be exposed to some form of violence.

Procedures for identification may include:

1. performing a workplace violence audit

2. reviewing existing accident and incident reports

3. gathering additional information from people at the workplace

4. gathering information from the industry on potential incidents

5. disseminating information to staff to increase their awareness of violence as a hazard and to encourage the reporting of violent and potentially violent incidents.

Risk Reduction Strategies

Some of your risk reduction strategies may include:

1.setting up a system for alerting coworkers that urgent help is required. 2.selecting a sufficient number of staff so delays which may raise stress are minimised and support is available when needed.

You can find more information on risk reduction strategies at www.biz-momentum.com

What to do if you experience violence in the workplace

Any person who is being subject to violence at work must inform management at the first reasonably available opportunity.

There are regulations that require your business to report these workplace incidences.

Your reporting duty generally involves reporting mechanisms to the authorities and government bodies, usually workplace health and safety.

You must be able to demonstrate that you take our responsibilities seriously to protect workers and other visitors at the workplace.

For more information on workplace conflict and violence visit us at www.biz-momentum.com

We haved asisted a number of businesses with workplace violence prevention including up to threats of serious violence against workers.

Protect your business and worker today. By incrementally introducing change, policies and procedures you can move your business a long way toward minimising risk.

Philip Lye is Director of Biz Momentum Pty Ltd. He works with small to medium businesses to help them cut through the maze of people matters. Clients get specific actionable strategies to protect their business interests. For more information on Philip, visit http://www.biz-momentum.com and subscribe to his free monthly e-zine.