A Western Health program aimed at addressing unsafe cultural practices, reducing the incidence of workplace violence and aggression has been recognised by WorkSafe
The new ‘Predict, Prevent, Priority: Safety Strategy’ has been named as a finalist of WorkSafe Victoria’s annual awards in the commitment to prevention of mental injury in the workplace.
The program set up by Western Health at Sunshine Hospital is challenging staff perceptions that violence and aggression are ‘part of the job’ and that staff are expected to put patient safety ahead of their own.
The strategy was developed following consultation across all levels of the organisation and uses training and presentations, clinical and security practices and promotional materials.
Messages in the strategy remind staff that it is OK to prioritise their own safety, to call for assistance at the earliest opportunity and that violence can often be predicted and prevented.
The success of the program is backed up by figures which show from 2017 to 2021 there has been a significant shift in proactive responses to workplace violence and aggression – with proactive calls for support up 187 per cent, and reactive calls down by 10.6 per cent.
Western Health has also been nominated as a finalist for the workplace health and safety solution of the year at Footscray.
The winners will be named in February.
Tara Murray
