Violent and/or Traumatic Events
Violent and/or traumatic events occur when you witness, investigate, or experience violent and/or traumatic events. In addition to the risk to physical safety, violent and/or traumatic events can cause psychological stress and are therefore also psychosocial hazards.
This can include:
- being directly exposed to – or impacted by – violence or traumatic events, including but not limited to:
- assault or occupational violence
- an emergency situation such as a fire, flood, car accident or natural disaster
- robbery or other criminal activity
- a medical emergency relating to yourself, a colleague, client or member of the public
- any other incident or event that has potential to cause severe stress or distress.
- witnessing or investigating serious incidents
- being exposed to extreme risks or disasters
- supporting victims of painful and traumatic events; and
- being exposed to traumatic material.
You do not need to be directly impacted by – or the victim of – violent or traumatic events to be exposed to harmful psychological stress associated with the incident. Vicarious trauma is an established medical condition, and people who witness events or support victims of violence or trauma can become severely impacted.
Employers have a legal duty under the OH&S Act to provide a working environment that is safe and without risks to health so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes both physical and psychological safety.
Experiencing violent and/or traumatic events can cause both physical and mental harm. It is important to recognise that risks (or threats) to physical safety can also cause psychological stress, and employees are protected not just from one or the other, but both.
Download “
Surveying Safety: Violent and/or traumatic events in the workplace ” to identify the risk in your workplace.