Workplace violence is on the
increase. Workers today are faced with growing client-initiated
aggression
and a high
likelihood they will be negatively affected by workplace
bullying. Costs associated with workplace violence include
the financial costs of absenteeism, lost productivity, higher
workers’ compensation premiums and medical expenses.
Negative publicity through court action and word of mouth
pose a further incalculable cost to the organisation’s
image, and a subsequent impact on employee attraction and
retention. There is also the often high personal cost of
emotional trauma suffered by victims and their families.
Australian employers are required, under legislation and
common law, to provide a safe working environment for employees
with control measures in place to address identified risks.
Such control measures include policies and workplace procedures
to protect staff from both client and staff initiated workplace
violence. Training is an essential component to ensure staff
possess the required knowledge of organisational policy and
procedures and the necessary skills to effectively respond
to incidences of workplace violence.
Personal Safety Australia Workplace Safety Services aim
to:
- Inform participants of relevant
organisational workplace safety policies and procedures
- Identify risks impacting
on participants’ workplace
safety
- Provide a range of practical
strategies to reduce these risks and maximise workplace
safety
- Enable participants to identify,
assess and effectively respond to potential threats to
their safety
- Reduce the risk of victimisation
- Increase self-confidence
and commitment to safety
- Develop problem-solving and assertiveness
skills
- Encourage the development of
a Personal Safety Plan
- Enhance workplace wellbeing and
quality of life
- Encourage participants to reach
their potential.
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