Training
Why are information, training and instruction necessary?
The Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 requires employers to provide such information, instruction and training to their employees as is necessary to enable them to work safely and without risk to their health.
Information, instruction and training are necessary to ensure that employees know how to do their jobs safely and to follow health and safety procedures.
Occupational Violence
The mix of information, instruction and training provided will depend on the particular needs to employees, the workplace and the severity of the hazards and risks. Appropriate information, instruction or training should help employees to understand:
- risk factors associated with occupational violence
- motivation for aggression/violence
- signs of impending violence
- prevention measures in place to control risks
- workplace policies and procedures
Bullying
The specific mix of information, instruction and training needed to reduce the risk of bullying in a particular workplace will depend on the specific needs of the employees and the workplace. Bullying has been linked to situations of role conflict and uncertainty.
Employers should make sure that employees understand their role and have the appropriate skills to do their job. This includes making sure that employees who supervise others have appropriate skills and if necessary, giving them training to acquire the skills before starting supervisory duties.
Topics to cover via information, instruction or training include:
- the ‘no bullying’ policy & how to comply with it
- measures used in the workplace to prevent bullying
- how to make a report
- how the organisation deals with bullying
Consultants and training providers
You may like to engage the services of a consultant or training provider to assist you in providing training to your employees or in conducing a hazard identification or risk assessment.
WorkSafe Consultants Directory
The directory provides a list of consultant who may be able to assist workplaces with bullying and violence issues and training.
Australian Dispute Resolution Directory
This is an online directory or resolution consultants who may be able to assist workplace parties deal with bullying and violence issues and prevention. The directory, which is managed by the University of South Australia, includes a database of resolution practitioners and organisations including mediators, conciliators, facilitators, arbitrators, educators and trainers.
Employer associations and unions
Some employer associations and unions also provide consultancy services and training covering the issues of bullying and violence at work.
Government departments
Some government departments such as the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria provide consultancy services and training that may cover aspects of bullying and/or workplace violence.
