Employers alerted to anti-violence duties

Employers and individuals have been reminded of the "crippling" psychological consequences of occupational violence, following reports of aggression against COVID-19 vaccination staff and other frontline workers.

The work-related violence warning came with the relaunch of WorkSafe Victoria's It's Never OK anti-violence advertising campaign.

The regulator said the move follows acts of "ugly aggression" aimed at the State's COVID-19 testers, vaccination staff, retail workers and others.

"It's distressing to see the anger and at times physical violence aimed at workers, particularly those who are putting their own welfare on the line to help keep the rest of us healthy and safe in these uncertain times," WorkSafe acting health and safety executive director Andrew Keen said.

"Whether it is a nurse, doctor, police officer, bus driver or retail worker, this behaviour is unacceptable because of the crippling psychological and physical trauma it causes," he said.

The campaign had its first run in May, with WorkSafe's health and safety boss Julie Nielsen stressing, at the time, that employers have an OHS duty to implement controls to eliminate violence-related risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, and consult with their employees and health and safety representatives on the issue.

Last week, Victorian Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said campaign tracking data show about half of Victorians are now aware of the campaign's central message, and employers that saw the ads are more likely to acknowledge they have a duty to protect their workers from all forms of violence.

Responses from workers who saw the print, television, radio and digital ads show they are more likely than others to report incidents of violence, she said.

"No one deserves to be abused for doing their job," the Minister said.

"These are stressful times, but I urge Victorians to take a moment, not to take it out on our frontline workers. This campaign makes it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and provides guidance on what employers can do to prevent it."

WorkSafe's Keen noted that work-related violence can cause severe distress and mental injuries to those who witness it, in addition to direct victims.

He said many incidents go unreported.

Nielsen said that employers must take take steps to address workplace cultural factors that deter workers from reporting violence, and "actively encourage workers to report all incidents without fear of reprisal, discrimination or disadvantage to their role or career".

Keen said, "Everyone has a right to a healthy and safe workplace, whatever the circumstances. No matter if you are a worker, customer or member of the public, violence in the workplace is never okay."

For advice on HR-related matters, please contact our People Risk Solutions team on 1300 208 828 or advice@abphillips.com.au