Workplace and work-related violence and aggression have become significant concerns across Australia, according to the latest report from Safe Work Australia, Workplace and work-related violence and aggression in Australia.  As the nature of work evolves and stressors intensify, this issue has seen a sharp rise over the last five years. The report highlights key data, emerging trends, and the industries most at risk, while offering insights into how employers can take proactive steps to address these challenges.

Alarming Rise in Violence and Aggression
The data points to a troubling 56% increase in serious workers’ compensation claims due to assaults and exposure to workplace violence over the last five years. This sharp rise signals that workplace violence is not an isolated problem, but rather a growing national concern.

One of the critical findings from the report is that indicates that work-related physical violence was more likely to be perpetrated by a client/patient/customer than a co-worker or employer/manager/supervisor. This highlights the need for businesses to implement stronger protective measures and conduct continuous worker training to manage these risks effectively.

Behavioural Patterns in Workplace Violence
Safe Work Australia’s report delves into the different types of violent behaviours witnessed in workplaces. While severe physical violence garners the most attention, the report indicates that angry or hostile behaviour, shouting and swearing, and intimidation or insults are some of the most frequently reported forms of aggression. Although these behaviours may be considered less severe, they contribute significantly to workplace stress and can escalate if left unchecked, especially when they occur persistently.

Most Affected Industries
According to the report, some industries are disproportionately affected by workplace violence and aggression:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: This sector consistently reports high levels of violence, with almost 40% of workers experiencing violent or traumatic events. This includes exposure to harm, abuse, threats, or witnessing traumatic events like death. Frontline healthcare workers often face these challenges due to the intense emotional and physical demands of their work environments.
2. Public Administration and Safety: The public sector also experiences significant levels of violence, particularly those in law enforcement, correctional facilities, and public service. As public-facing roles can involve interacting with distressed or confrontational individuals, the risk of violence is inherently higher.
3. Education and Training: Another notable area of concern is the education sector, particularly among school leaders and teachers. The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey (2023) showed a staggering 76.5% increase in physical violence towards school staff since 2011. Teachers are often exposed to aggressive behaviour from both students and parents, with insufficient support to mitigate these risks.

In the accommodation and food services, transport, postal and warehousing and retail trade industries, findings from the People at Work (PAW) Survey are further supported by a 2023 survey conducted by the Shop, Distributive and Allied employees (SDA) Association. The SDA survey revealed in the last 12 months:

Broader Social Impact
The report also aligns with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which estimates that 41% of Australians have experienced at least one incident of violence since the age of 15. Of these, workplace or work-related incidents make up a significant portion, accounting for at least 13% of violent events experienced by Australians.

Addressing the Challenge
As the report suggests, effective violence prevention requires businesses and organisations to engage workers actively in discussions about hazards related to violence and aggression. Employers, particularly in high-risk industries, must prioritise risk management strategies, including:

• Implementing reliable control measures.
• Providing adequate training and support.
• Creating open communication channels for reporting and managing incidents.

For industries like healthcare and education, this may include more rigorous safety protocols, conflict resolution training, and improved mental health support systems for workers routinely exposed to violence and trauma.

Moving forward 
Protecting workers from violence and aggression requires a multifaceted approach, prioritising both immediate and long-term solutions. Employers, government bodies, and workers must collaborate to foster safer environments. This includes strengthening policies around violence prevention, investing in mental health support, and empowering employees with training to de-escalate potential conflicts before they escalate into violence.

More detailed information on workplace violence and aggression is also available at the Safe Work Australia website.

At Safety Australia Group, we understand the importance of a proactive approach to workplace safety. Our specialised Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) training and consulting services are designed to help organisations across all industries implement effective prevention strategies. This unique training program is built on the SAFE (Strategic, Approach, Fearless, Environment) framework, incorporating an OVA Tactical Response Model that aligns with Australian Standards: Planning for emergencies – Health care facilities (AS Standard No 4083:2010).

By equipping your team with the right tools and skills, we can help you create a safer, more respectful work environment. Talk to us today to learn more about how we can assist your organisation in addressing and preventing workplace violence and aggression.