What is Occupational Violence?

Occupational violence means any incident where a staff member or student is physically attacked or threatened with physical attack by a staff member in the workplace.

The list below contains some examples of occupational violence:

Direct contact such as:

• tripping
• grabbing
• attacking
• striking
• kicking
• scratching
• throwing objects
• pushing
• shoving
• or the threat of any these

Genuinely accidental or unintended contact is not considered to be occupational violence.

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For Incidents of Occupational Violence

Any victim or witness to an incident of occupational violence must report the behaviour to University Security as soon as possible. If the alleged behaviour constitutes or reasonably appears to constitute a criminal offence, the University will support a victim who wishes to report the matter to the police.

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Further Information and Resources

• Prevention of Bullying and Violence at Work (WorkSafe Victoria Guidance Note) (.pdf)
• EHS Incident Reporting

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