Ordered to be printed
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER August 2017
PP No 257, Session 2014–17
Dear Presiding Officers
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report, or part of this report, was provided to WorkSafe, the Department of Health & Human Services, Ambulance Victoria and the three audited health services.
The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
Responses were received as follows:
Under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, health services and Ambulance Victoria (AV), as employers, are required to provide suitable systems for the effective rehabilitation, determination of claims and compensation, and return to work (RTW) of injured workers. WorkSafe, as the occupational health and safety regulator, has a critical role in facilitating workers' RTW, including providing guidance, implementing strategies and enforcing compliance with legislation.
Evidence-based controls that are regularly reviewed and evaluated are critical to effectively managing occupational violence. Controls include policies, procedures, specialist staff, clinical behaviour plans, the use of Code Grey response, the physical design of hospitals and training.
Comprehensive incident reporting, monitoring, and investigations are essential to effectively manage the risk and incidence of occupational violence in the health sector.
The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) defines occupational violence as any incident where an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances arising out of, or in the course of, their employment. Examples of occupational violence include—but are not limited to—verbal, physical or psychological abuse, threats, spitting, biting, throwing objects, racial vilification, sexual harassment or any form of indecent physical conduct. It can be perpetrated by patients, relatives, members of the public, and other employees.
Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, provide a critical role in caring for the community. The community has come to expect that healthcare workers will provide care as and when needed. Occupational violence has been recognised as a significant issue for healthcare workers both in Australia and internationally.
 John Doyle
Auditor-General |
Audit team |
Ordered to be published
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER May 2015
PP No 30, Session 2014–15
Dear Presiding Officers
This audit assessed whether the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), WorkSafe, Ambulance Victoria (AV) and health services are adequately protecting healthcare workers from the risks and incidence of occupational violence.