Violence, aggression and abuse at work

The Health and Safety Executive defines work-related violence as: 

‘Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.’ 

This can include: 

• verbal abuse or threats, including face to face, online and via telephone 
• sexual harassment
• harassment related to a protected characteristic
• physical attacks 

For Essex County Council, this can extend beyond the employee to include threats against their colleagues, property or family. It is sufficient that an employee feels threatened, harassed or abused for it to be treated as a ‘violence at work’ incident. 

Violence may come from members of the public, customers, clients, service users and students. 

Violence, harassment and abuse between employees should be dealt with through employment policies such as the bullying and harassment, grievance and disciplinary procedures. 

Work-related violence policy 

Our work-related violence policy covers the prevention, management and response to work related violence. 

Work Related Violence Policy (HSP 9.16) (PDF, 300KB) 

Physical intervention policy 

The physical intervention policy explains the guidelines for the use of physical intervention within the council. It provides a coherent and consistent approach to intervention by council employees who face violence and aggression in the workplace. 

Physical Intervention Policy (HSP 9.46) (PDF, 263KB) 

Customer behaviour posters 

The customer behaviour posters can be printed and used at premises and site to remind visitors that they are expected to be respectful towards council employees and representatives. 

Customer Behaviour Poster - A4 (PDF, 156KB) 

Customer Behaviour Poster - A3 (PDF, 156KB)