The importance of training to deal with workplace violence

When violence happens in the workplace, it can be highly traumatic for everyone involved, and the sad fact is that it happens more regularly than it should. In an ideal world, it would never happen, but given that this is the only world we have, the next best thing is knowing the proper steps to take when it does rear its ugly head.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at how vital workplace instruction is when dealing with workplace violence and how easy it is to get the required training. So, if you’re sitting comfortably and suitably relaxed, let’s dig a little deeper into the subject.

Work-related violence defined

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), work-related violence can be defined as “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in the circumstances relating to their work”. This includes physical attacks and verbal abuse and applies to any aggression arising from or in connection with work activity.

The right of everyone to have a workplace free of harassment and violence is upheld by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and it applies to interactions between employees, as well as those that happen between employees and the customers of the company that employs them.

Over the years, there have been countless incidents where retail assistants are having products thrown at them over the counter or road workers being assaulted with traffic cones. However, it’s completely unacceptable in the modern professional world in both senses and should never be seen as ‘part of the job’ – regardless of what the exact role entails.

The benefits of work-related violence training

When training is provided to employees regarding dealing with workplace violence, staff become much more able to react in the right way. In this instance, the ‘right way’ would point towards steps that diffuse the situation before going through the correct official steps to document the matter.

Good work-related violence training also ensures that employees:

• Comprehend the risks associated with any given workplace
• Are aware of the company’s policy on workplace violence
• Can recognise workplace situations that may lead to violence
• Comply with all official procedures on the matter
• Understand the importance of responding in the right way

Typically speaking, when staff can spot potentially violent situations developing, they are much more equipped to stop worsening issues. Training allows staff to take steps to protect themselves, their co-workers and indeed anyone else involved.

Allowing everyone to feel safe in the workplace

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their work, and at IKON Training, we specialise in helping companies and their staff manage challenging and aggressive behaviour if you would like to know more about our full range of services and what makes us different, head over to our website www.ikontraining.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to us directly about anything discussed here, give us a call on 01473 927 333, and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to talk you through your options.