July 2005

Grant to fund health worker safety study

A $485,000 WorkSafe grant will help improve the safety of health care workers exposed to the risks of violence and aggression.

Visiting Maroondah Hospital, Minister for WorkCover John Lenders said in the past three years almost 500 workers had made claims for exposure to workplace violence in the health care sector.

‘Health care staff often work in emotion-charged environments that can boil over,’ Mr Lenders said.

‘We want to equip health management and staff with the skills and procedures to reduce the risk of violence.

‘This project will help to contribute to a greater understanding of the impact of occupational violence and strategies that can best prevent it.

‘The project will explore all areas of violence within the health care sector.

‘When complete, it will assist not only employees and employers but also the patients and the community.’

The aggression management research will:

• Lead to safer workplaces, environments and work practices for employees;

• Improve staff recruitment and retention;

• Increase information, training and instruction;

• Improve safety, service and communication for patients.

Mr Lenders said the project demonstrated a growing awareness of OHS in the health sector.

‘It also reflects the aim of the new Occupational Health and Safety Act—bringing employees, employers and their representatives together to find solutions to workplace hazards.’

• For more information on the Safety Development Funding and the new Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 visit http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au.