What should a staff member do if they are a victim of violence or witness a violent incident?
(This article was first published in The Point, Term 2 edition earlier this year).
During the incident:
· set off duress alarms
· implement internal emergency response processes
· seek support from other employees
· ask the aggressor to desist, using calm verbal and non-verbal communication
· retreat to a safe location
After the incident:
· ensure everyone is safe
· provide first aid or medical attention or refer to an employee assistance program where necessary
· notify WorkSafe Victoria if required
· report the incident to employers (all such incidents or near misses must be logged so patterns of behaviour can be traced)
· contact your OHS Rep
What should an IEU member do if they feel their school is not providing a safe work environment?
· make a list of risk factors
· make a list of ideas you may have for rectifying the risk
· approach the IEU Rep or Health and Safety Rep who will assist you raise it with management
· alternatively, contact your IEU Organiser for advice on how to broach the matter with management.
What obligations do schools have to ensure a safe work environment for staff?
Under the law, your employer must, as far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
This includes providing such information, instruction, training, or supervision to employees as is necessary to enable those persons to perform their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health.
Employers must do the following after a violent incident:
· ensure staff and client safety, and provide first aid and/or medical treatment where required (where necessary contact police and ensure emergency phone numbers are readily available)
· provide access to support (both practical and emotional)
· provide a coordinated response
· record incident details
· conduct an incident review/investigation
· notify HSRs.
What is work-related violence?
WorkSafe defines work-related violence as incidents in which a person is abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work. This definition covers a broad range of actions and behaviours that can create a risk to the health and safety of employees. It includes behaviour sometimes described as acting out, challenging behaviour and behaviours of concern. Work-related violence is a risk that an employer must ensure is absent from the workplace and the employer has a duty to rectify this risk if it is present. This could be through implementing policies or procedures or by removing the person(s) contributing or causing the violence.
Resources:
www.ieuvictas.org.au/ohs
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/education
Find information on preventing workplace injuries in schools and early childhood education.
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/responding-work-related-violence
What to do if there’s a violent incident
Safe and sound practice guidelines for principals (occupational violence) Catholic Education Commission of Victoria 2014