Occupational Violence in Aged Care

HAZARDS

Occupational violence is defined as an incident where a worker is physically attacked in the workplace or during workplace activities, or threatened in a way that causes them to reasonably believe they are in danger of being physically attacked. It covers a broad range of behaviours from assault to non-physical violence such as verbal abuse and intimidation.

Aged care workers, due to the nature of their roles and the often fragile physical and mental state of residents, may be at an even greater risk of occupational violence than workers in other sectors. This behaviour can have a significant impact on the health, safety and welfare of workers and residents. Even the threat of violence can cause stress and emotional suffering. Occupational violence may also interfere with the delivery of services and lead to increases in insurance premiums and workers’ compensation costs.

In aged care, occupational violence may be perpetrated by a co-worker, it may be initiated by an individual with no connection to the workplace, but most commonly, it is residents and family members who exhibit violent behaviour in the aged care environment.

Co-worker-initiated occupational violence – involves violence perpetrated by a worker towards another worker.

External or intrusive occupational violence - happens when a person who has no connection to a workplace physically attacks a worker, for example to obtain cash, drugs or other valuables.

Resident/family member-initiated occupational violence - involves violence by a resident or family member towards an aged care worker. Residents may have unstable mental states as a result of illness, pain, drug therapy, fear, etc. Family members may experience anxiety or fear about the condition of a resident or the care he or she is receiving. This may cause them to behave aggressively.

When might this hazard occur?

Working alone with a resident known to exhibit aggressive behaviour may increase the likelihood of occupational violence. Working in pairs when caring for a high-risk resident may help to prevent or minimise occupational violence.

Residents’ families often experience high levels of anxiety about the health of their loved one or may feel unhappy with the care they are receiving. This may lead to aggressive or violent behaviour. A family member might physically attack a worker, threaten them with physical violence or send intimidating correspondence. Providing workers, including volunteers, with appropriate training will help them to manage this type of situation.

What do I need to do?

Under work health and safety legislation, aged care facilities have a duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace that is free from violence and the threats of violence. In order to meet these obligations and their duty of care to residents, an aged care facility must have robust policies in place to deal with all types of occupational violence, minimise the risk and raise awareness of the potential harm caused. Workers must also be provided with adequate information and training as part of their induction and through ongoing training programs. A facility is also obliged to respond to and investigate incidents. Some key considerations are:

Ensure policies and procedures are in place.

Conduct a thorough assessment of all new residents.

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.

Identify workers who may be at higher risk.

Provide workers with appropriate information, instruction and training to identify the risk factors associated with occupational violence and the precursors to violence and ensure they understand the role of the behaviour management plan and the complaints and grievance process.

Ensure workers understand the role they have to play in reducing the risk.

Match worker skills and abilities to resident needs.

Ensure staffing levels are adequate.

Review and record residents behaviours.

Consult with workers, work health and safety representatives and supervisors to determine when and where issues of violence occur.

CCI RM291 0614

Practical Help

SafeWork Australia

WorkCover NSW

Victorian WorkCover Authority

SafeWork SA

WorkSafe NT

WorkSafe WA

WorkSafe Tasmania

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)

WorkSafe ACT

Important Notice: This publication is intended to provide a summary and general information only to clients of Catholic Church Insurance Limited. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as advice or considered as a comprehensive coverage of the topics discussed. You should seek professional advice tailored to your own circumstances.

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If you would like further information about Occupational Violence in Aged Care, please contact the risksupport Helpdesk on:

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