Guide to reducing health workplace violence

Landmark guide to reducing workplace violence in the health sector

MEDIA RELEASE

23 January 2009

A guide to reducing the risk of workplace violence in the health and community care sectors has been released by the Department of Labour and the Counties Manukau District Health Board.

The guide called Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence to Healthcare and Community Service Providers has been a joint project between the two organisations.

Department of Labour Head of Workplace Services Maarten Quivooy says the guide will fill a significant gap, helping both workers and employers concerned about incidents of violence.

"There has previously been a lack of practical advice available to help employers reduce the risk of harm to staff, while also ensuring patients also receive the best possible care."

Mr Quivooy says the guidelines include a range of tools to help employers and service providers assess the risk of violence. It also provides some useful practical guidance to help manage that risk.

"The guidelines will also raise staff awareness about their exposure to the hazards of occupationally-related violence and will help them see the range of practical steps they can take to ensure the safety of themselves and others affected by their work."

Chris Walls from the Counties Manukau District Health Board says violence in the health sector has a huge cost in lost productivity. Workers often have to take time off work to recover from physical injuries, while the psychological impacts were often severe and long lasting. Incidents of violence (or the threat of them) often lead workers to leave the sector, making it difficult for employers to find and retain qualified staff.

"By keeping workers safe, we can improve productivity and job satisfaction," says Dr Walls. "It can also mean better care for patients."

He says the document has been produced with input from the Australian Faculty of Occupational Health, the Australasian Society of Occupational Medicine and Austin Hospital near Melbourne.

Dr Walls says the publication will be a living document. It will be placed on the Department of Labour and Counties-Manukau District Health Board websites, with a provision for feedback to the DHB. It will be refined and updated in the light of experience.

Note to media: Copies of Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence to Healthcare and Community Service Providers are available at www.dol.govt.nz or www.cmdhb.org.nz

ENDS