The OVMP addresses occupational violence which is defined as action, incident or behaviour that ‘any departs from reasonable conduct in which a person is assaulted, threatened, harmed, injured in the course of, or as a direct result of, his or her work. Occupational violence may include personal intimidation, verbal abuse, physical assault, sexual harassment, threatening behaviour, abuse through technology (text, emails, and phone calls, social media, online forums), making vexatious complaints, and making derogatory, slanderous or threatening statements to or about another person. This OVMP applies to all ACT Education Directorate Workplaces, any person considered to be a staff member or for the ACT Education Directorate pursuant to section 7 of the Work Health and Safety ‘worker’ Act 2011 (ACT) (WHS Act) and others. The workplace can include settings such as school excursions, areas beyond the work location and activities outside of school hours. Occupational violence is not limited to incidents which occur within a workplace but also those that are a result of work. The actions and behaviours of students, visitors, parents and others (as defined) in so far as they create an occupational violence risk are pertinent to the scope of the OVMP. RIGHTS Staff working in ACT Education Directorates have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. The Directorate has a general duty of care to staff and others under the WHS Act. Staff also have a duty to exercise reasonable care and skill under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (ACT). The ACT Education Directorate has a legal responsibility under the WHS Act to provide a workplace for staff that is safe and healthy. The WHS Act requires the Directorate to eliminate risk to worker health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable and, if this is not possible, then to minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. The policy outlines the respective responsibilities for managing the risks of occupational violence which can be briefly summarized as follows: Director - General ACT Education Directorate Risk management of occupational violence across the system to afford the highest of protection that is reasonably practicable Identifying, resourcing and facilitating relevant training for Directorate Coordinating responses to occupational violence incidents with system wide implications Monitoring system wide data on incidents, injuries and health related to occupational violence Providing resources, support and assistance as required to workplaces experiencing occupational violence impacts. Directorate Executive, Directors School Improvement
The OVMP addresses occupational violence which is defined as ‘any action, incident or behaviour that departs from reasonable conduct in which a person is assaulted, threatened, harmed, injured in the course of, or as a direct result of, his or her work. Occupational violence may include personal intimidation, verbal abuse, physical assault, sexual harassment, threatening behaviour, abuse through technology (text, emails, and phone calls, social media, online forums), making vexatious complaints, and making derogatory, slanderous or threatening statements to or about another person. This OVMP applies to all ACT Education Directorate Workplaces, any person considered to be a staff member or ‘worker’ for the ACT Education Directorate pursuant to section 7 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT) (WHS Act) and others. The workplace can include settings such as school excursions, areas beyond the work location and activities outside of school hours. Occupational violence is not limited to incidents which occur within a workplace but also those that are a result of work. The actions and behaviours of students, visitors, parents and others (as defined) in so far as they create an occupational violence risk are pertinent to the scope of the OVMP. RIGHTS Staff working in ACT Education Directorates have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. The Directorate has a general duty of care to staff and others under the WHS Act. Staff also have a duty to exercise reasonable care and skill under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (ACT). The ACT Education Directorate has a legal responsibility under the WHS Act to provide a workplace for staff that is safe and healthy. The WHS Act requires the Directorate to eliminate risk to worker health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable and, if this is not possible, then to minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. The policy outlines the respective responsibilities for managing the risks of occupational violence which can be briefly summarized as follows: Director - General ACT Education Directorate Risk management of occupational violence across the system to afford the highest of protection that is reasonably practicable Identifying, resourcing and facilitating relevant training for Directorate Coordinating responses to occupational violence incidents with system wide implications Monitoring system wide data on incidents, injuries and health related to occupational violence Providing resources, support and assistance as required to workplaces experiencing occupational violence impacts. Directorate Executive, Directors School Improvement