Occupational violence involves a worker being physically attacked at work or during work?related duties, or being threatened in a way that makes them reasonably fear an attack. As the population ages, care providers face growing challenges supporting staff who deal with aggressive behaviours linked to some forms of dementia and disability. Care workers now account for over 9% of NSW workers' compensation claims, with more than 12,000 physical and psychological claims lodged in the past three years. Addressing bullying and violence in these settings is complex, but SafeWork Australia offers guidance to help organisations manage the risks.
Occupational violence includes physical assault as well as non?physical abuse like verbal aggression and intimidation. These behaviours can harm the wellbeing of both workers and residents, and even threats alone can cause significant stress. Violence can also disrupt care and increase insurance and workers’ compensation costs.
In aged care, occupational violence is most commonly caused by residents and family members who exhibit violent behaviour. It may also be initiated by an individual with no connection to the workplace.
With an ageing population, ensuring staff are able to cope with the aggressive behaviour associated with mental illness is an important issue for aged care providers and work health and safety regulators.
As the majority of aged care nursing home facilities are owned and managed by large private companies, support from management is vital to maintaining best practice systems and keeping staff well trained. Establishing good safety systems and influencing change happens at the corporate level.
Caring for the residents while also ensuring a safe environment for team members is essential, and this needs to be fully acknowledged within management plans and risk assessments.
Aged care facilities are legally required to provide a safe workplace free from violence and threats. Staff also need clear information and proper training during induction and through ongoing programs.
Some points for consideration are:
- Ensure policies and procedures are in place
- Ensure staffing levels are adequate
- Identify workers who may be at higher risk
- Match worker skills and abilities to resident needs
- Ensure workers understand the role they have to play in reducing the risk
- Conduct a thorough assessment of all new residents
- Provide workers with appropriate information, instruction, and training
- Develop behaviour management plans for residents based on the outcomes of the assessment, and review these plans on a regular basis and/or following a significant incident
- Review and record residents behaviours
- Consult with workers, work health and safety representatives and supervisors to determine when and where issues of violence occur
For further information:
Source: SafeWork NSW
Title: Workplace Violence In Aged Care: Part of the Job?
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