Course Outline
Understanding Aggression and Violence
* Definitions of aggression, conflict, and violence
* Common workplace triggers and contributing factors
* Environmental and organisational influences
* Human behavioural responses under stress
Risk Awareness and Prevention
* Identifying early warning signs
* Situational awareness and dynamic risk assessment
* Preventative workplace strategies
* Maintaining professional presence and boundaries
Communication and De-Escalation Techniques
* Verbal and non-verbal communication skills
* Conflict reduction strategies
* Active listening and emotional regulation
* Managing heightened emotional situations
Personal Safety Principles
* Maintaining safe positioning and awareness
* Exit strategies and environmental awareness
* Personal safety considerations
* Role limitations and proportional response
Breakaway and Safety Techniques (Practical)
* Safe disengagement techniques
* Non-harmful breakaway methods
* Practical demonstrations and guided exercises
* Emphasis on safety without restraint practices (where applicable)
Post-Incident Responsibilities
* Incident reporting procedures
* Supporting colleagues following incidents
* Learning from workplace events
* Promoting continuous safety awareness
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals working in environments where challenging behaviour or potential aggression may arise, including:
* Human Resources Managers & Directors
* HR Business Partners
* Facilities Managers
* Safety Managers & Safety Officers
* EHS Managers
* Operations Managers
* General Management teams
* Quality Management professionals
* Healthcare and Social Care staff
* Hospitality Management teams
* Customer-facing employees
* Supervisors and Team Leaders
* Security personnel
* Education and community sector staff
No prior PMAV training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Risk Management
Aggressive or challenging behaviour can escalate quickly, creating risk of injury, psychological stress, and operational disruption.
Legal Responsibility
Irish employers must provide safe systems of work and protect employees from foreseeable risks, including violence and aggression.
Compliance
Training supports organisational duties under Irish workplace health and safety legislation.
Operational Consistency
Clear response strategies ensure staff react safely, consistently, and professionally during incidents.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
* Understand causes and triggers of aggression and violence
* Recognise early warning signs of escalating behaviour
* Apply communication and de-escalation techniques
* Maintain personal safety during challenging situations
* Understand professional boundaries and role limitations
* Respond appropriately using approved safety techniques
* Support organisational policies and incident reporting procedures
* Contribute to safer workplace environments
Course Format & Delivery
* Instructor-led PMAV training
* Interactive and scenario-based learning
* Practical demonstrations and supervised exercises
* Workplace-relevant Irish case examples
Delivered:
* Onsite at client premises, or
* At designated training venues
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports employer obligations under:
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (as amended)
HSA Guidance on Workplace Violence and Aggression
Employer duty of care relating to psychosocial hazards and employee protection
Irish legislation requires employers to:
* Provide safe systems of work
* Identify and manage workplace risks
* Protect employees from violence and aggression
* Provide appropriate instruction and training
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional safety training designed to support real workplace risk management and staff wellbeing.
Our approach focuses on:
* Prevention-first methodology
* Practical decision-making skills
* Respectful and proportionate responses
* Real workplace scenarios
* Consistent professional delivery
* Observation-led learning
We position PMAV training as part of organisational safety culture — supporting confident, safe, and professional workplace interactions.
FAQ's
Is PMAV training legally required in Ireland?
While not always named specifically in legislation, employers are legally required to manage risks related to workplace violence and aggression. PMAV training supports compliance with these duties.
Who should attend PMAV training?
Any staff working in roles involving public interaction, care environments, education, hospitality, or situations where challenging behaviour may occur.
Does the course include practical elements?
Yes. Practical breakaway and safety techniques form an essential part of the training.
Does the training include restraint techniques?
This course focuses on prevention, de-escalation, and safe disengagement methods aligned with organisational policies.
How long is certification valid?
Organisations commonly refresh PMAV training every 1–2 years depending on risk level.
Can training be delivered onsite?
Yes. Onsite delivery allows training to reflect real workplace layouts and operational risks.
