Occupational Violence Risk Management in Client Care Workplaces

Manage the risk of workplace violence a direct care setting.

Work in the aged care sector has tremendous rewards, but it is not without its risks. Incidents of workplace violence cause physical and mental injuries for aged care workers and makes up around 9.2 per cent of worker compensation claims.

‘Challenging behaviours’ are associated with a decline in cognitive capacity, resulting in increasing numbers of physical incidents in the aged care industry. Alzheimer’s Australia says that by 2050 almost 900,000 people are expected to be living with dementia. That means that the aggressive behaviour associated with some types of dementia is an important issue for aged care providers.

This issue has the attention of work health and safety regulators countrywide.

Training to identify and mitigate the risk of occupational violence in direct care

Carers need to engage with residents in intimate ways such as when feeding, bathing and dressing. The most effective WHS strategies to manage this risk include ensuring that workers understand how to identify hazards and risks related to behaviours of concern, so that they can choose appropriate responses.

Prevention of violent interactions is the goal.

This course will help workers to understand typical triggers, and best practice responses to violent reactions. Workers will learn to utilise care plans and daily logs to head off violent reactions before they start.

Increased risk in home care environments
The vulnerability of home care workers can be decreased with good training and proper control measures. Ensure your staff feel supported to ensure their own safety with the best training available. Workers will learn to assess their risk, modify their approach to certain tasks, and anticipate client response more effectively.

Benefits for the workplace

This training offers numerous benefits for both workplaces and individuals. For organisations, implementing effective strategies to manage occupational violence in direct care can lead to –

• a reduction in workplace incidents, minimizing disruptions and potential legal liabilities.
• a safer work environment not only protects employees but also enhances the organization’s reputation, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of trust and respect.

Benefits for individuals

For individuals, this training provides invaluable skills that extend beyond the workplace. Participants will learn –

• practical techniques for de-escalating potentially volatile situations.
• to improve their ability to recognise high risk client behaviour.
• to develop skills to personally manage themselves after an incident.

What You Will Learn

Program 1 – Occupational violence and behaviours of concern in the workplace.

This course is a training program for all workers in the healthcare industries and is dlivered face to face or an online webinar package.

Prepare for work in situations with the potential for violence or behaviours of concern

1. Awareness of client needs and preferences
2. Using a care plan
3. Assessing your risk

Violence and aggression in direct care situations

1. Verbal abuse, (racism, sexism)
2. Sexual or inappropriate behaviors/language
3. Physical contact

Mental health and wellbeing

1. Understanding of the specific MH challenges inherent in individual support work, both aged care and disability care.
2. Resilience and self-care for individual support workers.
3. Debriefing and support after incidents

Program 2 – Management of occupational violence and the repercussions.

This course is a training program for managers and supervisors and may be delivered face to face or as an online webinar package.

Management of occupational violence and behaviours of concern in the workplace.

1. Risk assessments
2. Control measures
3. Reporting
4. Assessment of controls
5. Support provisions for staff

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