Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence to Healthcare and Community Service Providers
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1. Foreword
Acts of violence and aggression are an increasing threat to healthcare employees and community service providers. While many violent acts result in physical injury, threats or intimidating behaviour can cause just as profound damaging psychological effects, including loss of morale, confidence and long-term psychological stress.
Permitting violence towards staff is simply bad business.
Investigations have shown that all parts of the healthcare sector experience incidents of violence against staff, and that the issue is common to all international jurisdictions.
Therefore, violence against healthcare workers is a predictable occupational health and safety issue, and should be managed in the same manner as any other workplace hazard.
In New Zealand, the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 applies to all sectors of the workforce, and provides a framework for employers and employees to work together to lessen the risk of harm to those in the workplace. Similar legislation imposes similar duties in all the Australian states.
Although elimination of the risk of violence is not likely to be achieved given the nature of care provided, there are many practical steps available to employers and employees to identify and manage these risks without compromising patient care. Such interventions will reduce the financial and social costs of work-related injuries, and will also help retain skilled and motivated staff.
This document draws on the NZ Department of Labour's data, from best practice documents of the United Kingdom, the USA and Australia, and from such sources as the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation. Particular use of the policy documents from Austin Hospital, New South Wales, is made to provide examples for organisations to base their own policies upon.