The code of practice focuses on the general principles applied to the prevention and management of violence and aggression in the workplace. The intent of this code is to provide practical guidance for workplaces where people may be exposed to various forms of violence and aggression at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation and harassment, including sexual harassment.

This code of practice is primarily concerned with managing violence and aggression from external parties such as customers, clients, patients and students. For guidance on managing violence and aggression and other inappropriate and unreasonable behaviour between workers, see the Code of practice: Workplace behaviour.

The guidance in this code of practice should be considered in conjunction with the general duties in the WHS Act, the Codes of practice: Workplace behaviour and Psychosocial hazards in the workplace.