This document describes the risks of physical and mental harm faced by staff in healthcare, residential, social service and community settings. It proposes a range of mechanisms to manage those risks and protect staff from harm arising from violence.

The effective management of violence clearly must be undertaken in the context of the particular workplace. It should be done in a way that takes account of the effect on the quality of patient care and be consistent with good employment practice.

This is intended to be a 'living' document. We look forward to your input to update this document.

See also the pamphlet of the same title

Table of Contents

Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence to Healthcare and Community Service Providers

1. Foreword

2. Introduction

3. The Scope of this Guide

4. The Nature of the Problem

• The Range of Employees at Risk
• Risk Factors
• Defining Violence

5. The Legislative Background

• Using the New Zealand Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 as a generic legislative platform

6. Risk Assessment and Management – Assessing and Managing the Risks Arising From Violence

• Recognising and responding to the risk

7. Training, Education and Information for Staff, Supervisors, Managers and Others

• Training and Staffing Issues
• Suggestions – Training for All Staff
• Training for Supervisors, Managers and Health and Safety Representatives

8. Taking All Practicable Steps to Manage Risk Situations

• All Practicable Steps
• Clear Policy Statements
• Designing For Safety
• Work Organisational Practices
• Work Practice Procedures
• Further Guidance on Managing Violence
• Monitoring

9. Dealing with Injured or Assaulted Caregivers

• Caregiver Reports
• First aid and subsequent medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Supporting people who have been injured or assaulted

10. Monitoring and Follow-Up Policies

Appendix 1: Organisational Self-Assessment of the Prevention and Management of Violence in a Healthcare Setting

Appendix 2: Risk Assessment of Workplace Violence

Appendix 3: Summary of Causative Factors

Appendix 4: Workplace Violence - Risk Assessment Form and Samples

• Example 1: Care of the Elderly Unit
• Example 2: Maternity Services
• Example 3: Northend Community Nursing Services
• Example 4: Primary Care East
• Example 5: Mental Health and Social Rehabilitation
• Example 6: Independent Medical Examination in Private rooms

Appendix 5: Violence Assessment

• Key Considerations

Appendix 6: Sample Policies Adapted From the Austin Hospital (NSW) Policies

• Admission Guidelines for the Management of Aggressive Patients
• Aggression Management Policy and Procedures
• Home Visit Risk Assessment Policy and Procedure
• Employer Home Visit and Staff Security Risk Assessment Form
• Action Sheet: Missing Home Visit Staff Member
• Protocol for Early Intervention in Complex/Difficult Cases
• Policy on Support for Staff Injured or Assaulted at Work

Appendix 7: References and Further Reading

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