Acting on the source of the violence

Experts in violence prevention and psychological health in the workplace all recommend that, in order to effectively eliminate violence in an organization, action should be taken at three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary.

However, to ensure sustainable prevention, the root of the problem must be tackled. In other words, action must be taken at the level of primary prevention; otherwise, the violence risks recurring even if problems have ostensibly been resolved.

Une approche qui vise la source même de la violence | IRSST

IMPORTANT

Primary prevention: seeks to eliminate risks at the source.

Secondary prevention: focuses on the behaviours of individuals.

Tertiary prevention: consists of repairing the harm done.

To learn more about the different levels
of prevention, see the "Definitions" section.

A strategy recognized as effective at the primary prevention level and as attacking the root of the problem is that of examining the risk factors present in the work environment. The risk factors risk factors that must be tackled in the primary prevention of violence are the aspects of work organization that contribute to the emergence of conflicts and violence, such as excessive workloads, little recognition in the workplace, or lack of communication in the organization.

To learn more about identifying the risk factors, see Step 2 – COs project

You can take action!

Acting on the source of the violence