Our workplace violence policy aims to acquaint employees with what we consider workplace violence and ask them to report early signs or threats. We want to provide our employees with a safe workplace where mutual respect is a given. We ask everyone to be professional and ethical at work.
A zero tolerance policy towards violence and aggression is expected throughout the working process. No member of staff should be subject to violent, threatening and abusive behaviour. Our employees have the right to work and carry out their duties in an environment free from violence, threatening or abusive behaviour. All employees have the right to be treated with consideration, dignity and respect and all employees should be aware of their responsibilities for health and safety. The purpose of this policy is to inform our staff of the measures in place to manage incidents of violent, threatening or abusive behaviour.
This policy applies equally to all employees, contractors, public visitors, clients and anyone else whom employees come into contact with during work.
“Workplace violence” refers to physical acts of violence or threats to harm a person or property. Abusive behaviours, whether verbal, psychological or physical, are also considered violence. More specifically:

• Verbal abuse can be using unwelcome, embarrassing, offensive, threatening or degrading language.
• Psychological abuse is an act, which provokes fear or diminishes a person’s dignity or self-esteem.
• Sexual abuse is any unwelcome verbal or physical assault.

We cannot always predict violent acts, but we ask managers and team members to be vigilant. Report any concerns or violent acts as soon as possible. Examples of violent behaviour among co-workers include but are not limited to:

• Intimidating or bullying others
• Abusive language
• Physical assault
• Threatening behaviour
• Concealing or using a weapon
• Sexual or racial harassment

All our employees are required to treat each other with dignity and respect by acting in accordance with our values. All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
All supervisors and managers are responsible to implement our policies and ensure that all procedures are free of discrimination. Employees who witness or suspect violence, or are victims of violence, can report to HR or their immediate supervisor. We will investigate quickly and discreetly. We aim to protect victims from harassment and victimization and where there is a serious threat or action, we will report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Our company does not tolerate violence. Any such behaviour will trigger appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, removal from boards or committees, as well as potential criminal charges