Employees should be trained to follow the safety procedures that are in place to reduce the risk of aggression in the workplace. There should be prior consultation with all relevant parties regarding the training delivered. This information should also be included in induction training for new employees.  If necessary, information should be provided in languages other than English.

It is important that responses to critical incidents are practiced on a regular basis to ensure employees are informed and would know what to do in an emergency situation. Just as emergency evacuation responses are practiced regularly in the workplace, so should responses to incidents of aggression in the workplace. 

Employers, in collaboration with employee representatives, should, as appropriate, make information on aggression in the workplace available to all employees, supervisors and managers. Information does not have to be technical or overly detailed; its main purpose is to raise awareness of the issues associated with aggression in the workplace. Training may be formal, informal or on the job. Ensure records are kept to document the training and information provided to employees. 

Information to employees could include:

• The nature and causes of aggression in the workplace in their organisation or industry sector, including potential triggers;
• Suggested measures to prevent such problems occurring, and best practices for their reduction and elimination;
• The laws covering aggression in the workplace;
• How to raise concerns and how they will be addressed; and
• The services available to assist peopled affected by aggression in the workplace.

Training and information material may be sourced from:

• Publications (such as the Violence and aggression at work code of practice) produced by WorkSafe and the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health; 
• The Internet; 
• Libraries; 
• Industry and community associations;  
• Security consultants; 
• Training providers; and 
• Government agencies such as the Police.  

A sample presentation that can be downloaded can be found in the Toolkits and Information Resources section. Please note, this is a sample presentation only and requires modification to suit your individual organisation’s risk factors and circumstances.