Workplace Bullying Support
and Coaching
Coaching sessions - 60 minutes each
Coaching Sessions – Flexible packages tailored to your individual needs
What We Cover
Laying the Foundations
The introductory session builds essential knowledge of OVA, covering legal definitions, real-world case studies, and debunking harmful myths about workplace violence. Participants gain valuable insights through unique models and proven law enforcement theories, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety.
Key Features:
Participants develop confidence and skills to:
- Identify warning signs early to prevent escalation.
- Understand the appropriate situations to apply de-escalation and safeguarding strategies.
- Foster safer workplaces by managing risks proactively.
Module 1: Vigilance 360
The first pillar of the SAFE Framework™, Vigilance 360, focuses on developing strategic situational awareness. This module empowers employees to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively.
Key Features:
- Emotional Regulation: Techniques to remain calm under pressure.
- Environmental Awareness: Skills to identify and address risks early.
- Situational Vigilance: Awareness of workplace dynamics and emerging issues.
- Interpreting Behavioural Cues: Recognising subtle signs of tension in body language and speech.
- Assertive Presence: Communicating authority through voice and posture.
Module 2: Calm in the Storm
This module introduces straightforward de-escalation techniques that employees and workers can use to handle tense situations with professionalism and confidence.
Key Features:
Participants will learn to:
- Build a culture of respect and collaboration.
- Prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.
- Maintain professionalism and safety during high-stress interactions.
By fostering de-escalation skills, organisations can create workplaces where respect, safety, and productivity thrive.
Module 3: SafeGuard Tactics
This module equips employees and workers with proactive conflict management and self-protection techniques to enhance safety during high-risk situations.
Key Features:
Participants will develop the ability to:
- Respond confidently while maintaining professionalism in challenging scenarios.
- Implement self-protection techniques to minimise harm during physical threats.
- Understand the principles of self-defence and their legal responsibilities under OHS/WHS legislation.
SafeGuard Tactics ensures employees are prepared to protect themselves and others when de-escalation methods are unsuccessful.
Module 4: Report and Record
The final module emphasises the importance of accurate reporting and record-keeping in addressing OVA incidents. This critical skill set enhances workplace safety and ensures risks are managed effectively.
Key Features:
Participants will learn to:
- Recognise triggers and conditions that contribute to workplace incidents.
- Understand their reporting responsibilities for hazards, near-misses, and incidents.
- Know when and how to involve law enforcement for safety and accountability.
By empowering employees to report effectively, this module strengthens proactive safety cultures and improves organisational resilience.
Find Your Answers Here!
General Program Information
1. What is the SAFE Framework™?
The SAFE Framework™ is a proprietary, research-backed approach designed to address Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA). Unlike standard training programs, it integrates real-world case studies, law enforcement strategies, and compliance with Australian Standards. This unique framework combines individual skills, organisational planning, and actionable techniques to create safer workplaces.
The acronym SAFE represents the four core principles of the framework, each targeting a critical area of focus:
- Strategic Situational Awareness: Learn to identify and assess risks early, preventing escalation.
- Active De-escalation Strategies: Gain proven tools to defuse aggression and handle conflicts with confidence.
- Focused Defensive Tactics: Acquire practical techniques to protect yourself and maintain personal safety in high-risk scenarios.
- Effective Incident Reporting: Master clear and accurate documentation to enhance workplace safety and ensure legal compliance.
The SAFE Framework™ delivers a structured, results-driven approach to managing OVA. It empowers teams to foster safer, more resilient workplaces while meeting regulatory requirements.
2. Who developed the SAFE Framework™?
The SAFE Framework™ was developed by Victoria Beresford, a former NSW Police Inspector with over 25 years of experience in leadership, risk management, and dispute resolution. Victoria holds advanced qualifications, including:
- A master’s degree in dispute resolution.
- A master’s in human resource management.
- A diploma in workplace health and safety.
- A diploma in government investigations.
Victoria’s extensive law enforcement career uniquely qualifies her in this field. She has managed and de-escalated hundreds of conflicts in homes, communities, and workplaces, gaining unparalleled real-world insight into the complexities of aggression and violence. While not every situation resulted in success, these experiences shaped her deep understanding of conflict dynamics and provided invaluable lessons.
As an Expert Witness for the NSW Supreme Court, Victoria has provided insights on domestic violence cases and police regulatory compliance. Drawing on this expertise, she transitioned to workplace health and safety, designing and delivering training programs to address harmful behaviours in organisational settings.
As the creator and presenter of the SAFE Framework™, Victoria combines her law enforcement background with practical workplace safety expertise. Her training goes beyond theory, offering actionable strategies informed by decades of real-world experience.
Learn more about Safety Elements by visiting our About Us page, or explore Victoria's professional background by viewing her LinkedIn profile.
3. What industries is this training most suitable for?
This training is ideal for industries with public-facing roles or workplaces prone to conflict and aggression, ensuring teams are equipped to manage challenging situations effectively.
4. Is the training tailored to our specific workplace challenges and risks?
Yes, our training can be tailored to address your organisation’s specific Occupational Violence and Aggression challenges, policies, and workplace dynamics. This ensures the solutions provided are both practical and directly relevant to your team’s needs.
5. Do you provide training outside of Melbourne?
Yes, we provide training across all Australian states and territories. While based in Melbourne, we are happy to travel to your location to deliver in-person sessions.
For added flexibility, we also offer remote training via interactive online sessions, making it easy for organisations anywhere in Australia to access the program without compromising on quality.
If your organisation is located outside Victoria, we can customise the training to address your specific needs and local compliance requirements. Travel arrangements can be discussed to ensure a seamless experience.
Additional Information:
- The standard cost of the training applies across all locations.
- Travel expenses, including transportation and accommodation (if required), will be added to the final invoice.
Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor a solution to suit your team!
Training Structure and Content
6. Does the training align with current health and safety legislation?
Yes, our Occupational Violence and Aggression Training is fully aligned with:
- Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and regulations.
- The Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, applicable in other states and territories.
- AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
- AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities.
Whether your organisation operates in Victoria or elsewhere in Australia, our training ensures you are equipped to meet your duty of care and build a safer workplace culture.
When booking, you can specify the jurisdiction you want us to focus on. We will customise the content to reflect the state legislation and compliance requirements relevant to your location, giving your team the tools and confidence to manage workplace health and safety obligations effectively.
7. Can the training be customised to align with our existing health and safety policies?
Absolutely! At Safety Elements, we recognise that every organisation faces unique challenges when it comes to managing Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA). That’s why our OVA Training is fully customisable to align seamlessly with your organisation’s existing health and safety policies.
State and Territory Compliance
- Our training is tailored to meet the safety legislation and compliance requirements specific to your state or territory. Whether it’s the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) or the Model Work Health and Safety Acts applicable in other jurisdictions, we ensure the content reflects local regulations and obligations.
National Operations
- For organisations operating across multiple states and territories, our training covers compliance requirements for all relevant laws. This approach equips your team to confidently manage OVA risks nationwide.
Industry-Specific Focus
- If your organisation operates in high-risk environments like health care or faces unique OVA challenges, we customise the training to address these specific needs. Using industry-relevant case studies and examples, we ensure the content is practical, relatable, and directly applicable to your workplace context.
By aligning our workshops with your organisation’s goals and policies, we deliver training that is practical, engaging, and focused on creating a safer, more secure work environment. This approach empowers your team to confidently manage OVA risks and foster a proactive safety culture.
8. Are there interactive components, such as role-playing or simulations?
Yes, the training incorporates interactive elements designed to engage participants and enhance practical learning. These include:
- Case Studies: Explore real-world examples to connect concepts with workplace scenarios.
- Group Discussions: Encourage collaboration and shared insights for deeper understanding.
- Scenario-Based Exercises: Practice applying safety principles to realistic challenges.
These interactive components ensure the training is both engaging and practical, helping participants build skills they can confidently apply in the workplace.
Post Training Support
9. Does the program include post-training support or resources?
Yes, the program includes comprehensive post-training support to ensure lasting improvements in workplace safety and knowledge retention.
- OVA Essentials Playbook: Every participant receives a concise playbook summarising the training content, with additional insights and links to practical resources for ongoing development.
- Extended Playbook for Managers and Supervisors: The training organiser is provided with an expanded version tailored to leadership roles. This playbook includes detailed information about workplace health and safety requirements, supporting a deeper understanding for managers and supervisors.
- OVA Microlearning Cards: The organiser also receives quick-reference tools designed for safety talks. These cards help embed key concepts into daily workplace practices, reinforcing long-term learning and engagement.
Together, these resources equip participants and organisations with the tools to implement practical safety strategies and maintain a proactive workplace culture.
10. Is there additional support available after the initial OVA training?
Yes, we offer additional consulting services to further support your organisation, including hazard identification, risk assessments, policy development, and more.
We are also developing the SAFE Leaders Program, which is designed to build on this training. This mentoring program equips leaders, managers, and supervisors with advanced tools and strategies to effectively manage Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA). The program guides participants through the 7-step SAFE Roadmap for Managing OVA, providing a structured and comprehensive approach to addressing workplace risks.
Program Highlights
Tailored Safety Plans
- Over an eight-week period, we work with your team to create customised OVA Safety Plans that align with Australian Standards, address specific workplace risks, and include both preventative measures and response strategies.
Risk Analyses
- Our experts conduct detailed risk assessments to identify OVA hazards and provide actionable recommendations to enhance workplace safety and mitigate risks.
Ready-Made Resources
- To streamline compliance, the program offers a suite of customisable tools, including:
- Incident reporting templates.
- Risk management policies.
- Workplace behaviour and safety guidelines.
- Emergency response protocols.
These resources are designed to ensure compliance with safety legislation while fostering a proactive culture of accountability and safety.
Learn More
Visit our course page for more information about the SAFE Leaders Program. Explore how this program can enhance your organisation’s approach to managing OVA.
11. Are there ongoing refresher courses or advanced modules available?
At Safety Elements, we are expanding our Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) training with refresher courses and advanced modules designed to ensure long-term retention, skill enhancement, and confidence in managing challenging situations.
Refresher Courses
Release Date: Launching mid-2025, these courses are designed to reinforce key concepts and boost employees' confidence in handling OVA situations.
- Maintaining Workplace Safety Over Time: Regular refresher sessions help sustain high standards of workplace safety and preparedness.
- Flexible Online Accessibility: An online version is in development to provide greater flexibility, ensuring organisations of all sizes can access this critical training.
Advanced Self-Defence Module
Developed in collaboration with Krav Maga experts, this module focuses on practical, advanced self-defence techniques tailored to workplace scenarios.
- Tailored Training: Participants gain skills specific to common OVA situations, enhancing both personal and team safety.
- Actionable Techniques: Learn practical methods to confidently manage high-risk situations.
- Team-Building Benefits: This module doubles as a team-building exercise, fostering collaboration and shared commitment to workplace safety.
- Comprehensive Program: Adding this module extends the training to a full-day session, providing an immersive, in-depth learning experience.
Why Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a practical self-defence system originally developed for the Israeli military. It focuses on simple yet effective techniques that can be easily learned and applied in real-world situations.
In the context of our Advanced Self-Defence Modules, Krav Maga is tailored to workplace OVA scenarios and emphasises:
- Situational Awareness: Recognising potential threats early to prevent escalation.
- Defensive Techniques: Practical methods to protect yourself and others.
- Safe Disengagement: Strategies for safely retreating from volatile situations.
Krav Maga’s focus on adaptability and real-world application makes it an ideal addition to OVA training, empowering participants to handle high-risk situations confidently and effectively.
Book Your Free Safety Chat Today!
Unsure about the right training for your team? Let us help transform your workplace with tailored health and safety solutions. With flexible onsite and remote learning options, we address your unique safety challenges. Explore our standard packages or collaborate with us to create customised workshops. Book a discovery call today to get started!