Workplace violence has increasingly aroused public concerns overseas. Many people hang back in fear when facing workplace violence. In fact, violent incidents could be tackled properly and even be avoided if an enterprise or organization is well prepared for it by developing appropriate preventive measures, providing sufficient training to staff and arranging workplace violence drills.

One of the missions of the Occupational Safety and Health Council is promoting safety and health in Hong Kong workplace. The Council has developed constructive partnerships with various government departments, companies, service organizations, and educational groups. It provides quality service to ensure that both employers and employees can work in a safe and healthy environment. In 2006, the Council invited the Quality Evaluation Centre of City University of Hong Kong to conduct a research on workplace violence, and develop a workplace violence management and coping programme that can be used by different industries in Hong Kong. The Council aims at enhancing the capacity of companies and organizations in tackling workplace violence, and promoting a harmonious working environment that all employees can work in a safe and violence-free environment.

The “Prevention of Workplace Violence: Online Assessment” provides readers with the necessary knowledge and skills in preventing and tackling workplace violence. There are altogether eight parts in this Online Assessment, namely the problem of workplace violence; policies in workplace violence prevention; staff recruitment; administration management; risk assessment; environmental security; reporting mechanism and escape routes; and staff training. The Online Assessment aims at arousing the readers’ concerns of workplace violence. It offers the readers a better understanding of violence prevention and crisis management. Besides, it also outlines the responsibilities of employers, risk control tactics, and post-crisis management in repairing any harm incurred to the organization and its employees.