Hi Renata - We are currently experiencing an increase of high-care patients and occupational violence and aggression on our ward. I have sent multiple emails escalating concerns and I feel as though the minimum has been done. I just want to know what powers/ rights I have as the HSR?
Thank you for your question about occupational violence and aggression (OVA). The increase in incidences of OVA over recent years is alarming and our employers seem to be very slow and inconsistent in their approaches to resolving the issue. You can read more about violence at work at Violence at Work - OHS Reps.
You happen to be a member of a union which is one of the best in how they provide support for members experiencing OVA. The ANMF encourages its members to report incidents regardless of the severity of the incident with the Union. The ANMF guide is available for anyone to read, although some of the links are member only.
After every incident of OVA, you should report it to your employer, speak with your HSR and notify your union. Incidents need to be reported through formal work channels such as VHIMS or RiskMan so that your employer can follow up. It is also important for there to be a record should you need to make a WorkCover claim.
There are two types of reports you should make – a clinical report and an OHS report. OVA incidents are often reported as clinical incidents for the patient or client, but the OHS incident report is often not completed – due to time, feeling as though nothing is going to change so it is pointless, having been conditioned to accept a level of OVA etc.
Incident reports should be completed in your work time to ensure that you are paid for time spent completing an incident report, and you should not be expected to do them on your meal breaks, or in unpaid overtime.
ANMF union members can also report incidents to the union on behalf of someone else (who is not a member) for workplaces where union members work. They can look at the incident, and the systems of work that are in place and failing, or non-existent, and take steps to try to rectify this.
Other industries such as education, disability services, emergency services and retail are also experiencing increases in OVA and we urge every worker affected by this hazard to refer to our Violence at Work - OHS Reps page for an HSR action plan about how to raise this issue with your employer for resolution. WorkSafe also addresses the issue of work-related violence, including in their publication A guide for employers – Work-related violence where they offer guidance on managing and responding to this issue.
Speak with your DWG and other HSRs at your workplace to stress the importance of reporting EVERY incidence of OVA – this is a collective issue that affects all areas of your workplace.