The why, when, and how of reporting OVA
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 1, 20 February 2026, page no 13.
Every worker has the right to go to work and return home in the same physical and psychological state every day.
As part of the Queensland Teachers’ Union ongoing campaign against occupational violence and aggression (OVA) and its efforts to hold the employer accountable for the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees, it is crucial that you:
- Recognise what constitutes occupational violence and aggression
- Report all incidents of occupational violence and aggression
- Respond to these incidents appropriately.
Recognise
According to the Department of Education (Occupational Violence Prevention Procedure, 21 February 2025): “Occupational violence and aggression (OVA) is any action, incident, or behaviour in which a person is threatened, harmed, or injured by another person during, or as a direct result of, their work. This includes online abuse and cyberbullying.”
Examples include:
- spitting, hitting, biting, kicking, punching
- being hit by or with an object
- verbal or physical intimidation or threatening behaviour
- malicious damage to personal property
- threats associated with any of the above.
Report
Incidents or near misses must be reported through the MyHR WHS Reporting Module, and followed up with your health, safety, and wellbeing committee. Additional reports (e.g. in OneSchool) may be appropriate but serve different purposes. MyHR WHS reporting is essential to ensure a systematic response from the department.
Why report via MyHR WHS?
Reporting:
- protects employees by ensuring incidents, near misses, and hazards are documented and actioned
- ensures incidents are investigated, managed, and addressed
- creates a WHS record of OVA — not just a behavioural note
- tracks and monitors incident rates
- safeguards employees for potential WorkCover claims
- provides incident details to the PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) enabling it to implement control measures.
When to report
All incidents of OVA — including near misses and threats — must be reported on MyHR WHS as soon as practicable.
Examples of near misses include:
- objects thrown that do not make contact
- physical altercations between students in which staff intervene or at risk.
If multiple incidents occur, each occurrence must be reported.
Remember:
- reporting in OneSchool is about the student
- reporting in MyHR WHS is about you, the worker
- MyHR WHS reports are essential for Workcover documentation – all workplace injuries must be logged.
Notifiable incidents
The principal or manager must immediately notify the Health and Safety Regulator of all notifiable incidents under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011.
Notifiable incidents include:
- Class 2: Hospital admission
- Class 1: Fatality or life-threatening injury or illness
- Dangerous incidents: As defined in the legislation.
For more information about reporting visit the QTU website or email qtu@qtu.asn.au.
Respond
Responding to OVA requires the proactive management of foreseeable risks through a risk management process.
If there’s reasonable belief that violence may occur (e.g. a foreseeable risk that a student may become violent), it must be raised with the line manager, principal, health and safety representative (HSR), or health and safety committee (HSC).
The department advises: “Where incidents occur, ensure early intervention and check immediately on the welfare of those involved.”
The first response should always be made with compassion and care.
Immediately after an incident:
- ensure your safety and that of others
- render assistance when safe to do so
- provide first aid or arrange medical care
- offer psychological “first aid” to support affected staff or students.
Be aware that delayed emotional responses may occur hours, days, or even weeks later.
Response review process
A workplace health and safety review should include:
- identifying causes of the incident
- reviewing existing control measures
- identifying new control measures
- implementing outcomes of the review.
What can you do about OVA?
- Seek advice and support from your line manager, principal, colleagues, HSR, Union Representative, or doctor.
- Ensure your workplace WHS committee has a proactive OVA response strategy.
- Report all incidents and near misses in the MyHR WHS system.
- Participate in hazard and risk reduction strategies.
QTU support
If you experience or witness OVA, or are told it “doesn’t count,” contact the QTU immediately. For information or assistance, visit the QTU website or email qtu@qtu.asn.au.