What is primary prevention in the workplace?

Primary prevention means stopping something before it starts. 

And your workplace is likely already using primary prevention in a number of ways. 

What is primary prevention in workplaces? 

Businesses are really skilled at primary prevention in a number of areas, including health and safety. 

Consider this – if I go into a worksite and set up a ladder incorrectly, chances are someone will notice and tell me before I even step on it. 

This is because in many workplaces, a lot of resources have been dedicated to identifying the risks that make accidents more likely and educating employers and employees on how to avoid them.  

That is primary prevention in action.  

Primary prevention is part of a bigger picture 

To use another example of primary prevention, think about Australia’s approach to preventing deaths from melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. 

This involved a huge amount of effort and resources from all parts of society, with several different approaches used.  

These can be broken down into different tiers: 

• Primary prevention: The ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign (which later evolved into ‘ Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide ’) campaign which encouraged people to avoid the skin damage that could later become dangerous melanomas. 

• Early intervention: Encouraging individuals to get their skin checked by specialists on a regular basis and removing any moles that could develop into melanomas. 

• Response: Using treatments for skin cancers after they were diagnosed. 

You can see now how avoiding skin cancer through measures like sunscreen is actually about stopping the issue before it starts, making it a great example of primary prevention. 

What is primary prevention of violence against women? 

Violence against women is a crisis in Australia – but it is preventable.  

Violence against women includes:

• domestic violence 

• coercive control 

• stalking 

• workplace sexual harassment  

• street harassment  

• sexual assault.

A primary prevention approach to ending violence against women requires us to take action against the underlying factors that lead to all these forms of violence. Primary prevention requires addressing violence in all its forms, which means focusing on issues like workplace sexual harassment as well as domestic violence. 

The evidence shows us that violence against women is caused by gender inequality.  

That means that where there is violence against women, there is sexism and disrespect at the root of it.  

By embedding gender equality in our society – in our homes, our schools, and our workplaces – we can stop violence before it starts.  

By combining our efforts with a well-resourced response and early intervention sector, this is how we can create a future free from violence against women: 

• Primary prevention: Delivers whole-of-population initiatives that address the drivers of violence against women. 

• Early intervention: Aims to change the trajectory for individuals at higher-than-average risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence.  

• Response: Supports victim-survivors and holds perpetrators to account, aiming to prevent the recurrence of violence.  

What can workplaces do to end violence against women? 

Here are some ways workplaces can take action against violence against women. 

• Primary prevention: Train all staff to understand what causes violence against women, including sexual harassment, and what they can do to take action. 

• Early intervention: Create a workplace environment where people feel safe to call out inappropriate behavior and provide support options to people who are concerned about their own behaviour, such as the Men’s Referral Service.   

• Response: Believe people's experience of violence and provide trauma informed support. 

By using a variety of approaches, including primary prevention, businesses can make a real difference while also improving workplace culture.  

Primary prevention in workplaces means that when we see disrespectful behaviour, we call that out.  

It means we celebrate those who stand up against sexism and train everyone to be active bystanders and supportive allies. 

All this results in workplaces where people feel valued, safe and able to thrive.  

What are the benefits of primary prevention for workplaces? 

Preventing violence against women isn’t just a matter of social responsibility; it’s a strategic business opportunity. 

Safe and respectful workplaces mean that employees can thrive at work – and that boosts businesses’ bottom line. 

It enhances a business’ reputation and differentiates their brand in a competitive market.  

Inclusive and safe work environments also attract top talent and encourage employee loyalty. 

We’ve seen workplaces pioneer changes in occupational health and safety. Now it’s time for workplaces to drive meaningful change to end violence against women. 

Partner with the Our Watch Institute to stop violence before it starts 

We go beyond training, partnering with business leaders to understand the evidence and provide tailor solutions for their workplace.  

We offer: 

• one-on-one coaching 

• executive team or all staff training 

• policy reviews 

• organisational pulse checks 

• gender equality action plans 

• implementation support 

• internal and external communications support.

Reach out today by emailing us or use the form at the bottom of the page to discuss your needs.