Aggression and violence

Aggression and violence can take place in various ways:

• verbally (swearing, shouting, very heated discussions)
• physically (kicking, pushing, hitting, spitting, biting, destruction of property)
• psychologically (threats, intimidation, blackmail, humiliation)

Aggression and violence fall under the category of psychosocial workload. Aggression and violence can lead to work-related stress and absenteeism and ultimately to long-term sick leave and possibly even incapacity for work. Employees who encounter aggression and violence at work become demotivated. lf they take sick leave, the step back to work is even more difficult. This is a very unpleasant situation for the employee. And it costs you, the employer, a lot of money.

What can you do to combat aggression and violence at work?

As an employer, you must establish a policy to protect your employees against aggression and violence at work. This is required under the Working Conditions Act. lf you fail to do so, the Netherlands Labour Authority may take measures. Ultimately, you could even face heavy fines.

You develop policies against aggression and violence on the basis of the Risk lnventory & Evaluation in which you describe the situations in which your employees may face aggression and violence.

There are 11 measures that a good employer takes to protect their employees from aggression:

• You have identified the risks of aggression.
• You have a procedure in place for reporting, recording and analysing incidents.
• Your organisation has a protocol against aggression and violence.
• You provide good information and training for your employees.
• You have drawn up house rules that visitors and clients must adhere to.
• You have taken adequate organisational and personnel measures.
• You have made sufficient structural provisions.
• There is a well-functioning alarm system with an adequate alarm procedure.
• There is a plan for care, support and aftercare following an incident.
• There is a plan aimed at dealing with the perpetrator or perpetrators.
• You periodically evaluate your policy and measures against aggression and violence.

You can read more about this in the flyer on aggression and violence (Dutch).

Self-inspection: Aggression and violence by third parties

Are you doing enough to combat aggression and violence by third parties? Use the Work pressure and undesirable behaviour self-inspection tool.