WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new campaign highlighting the need for employers and the community to come together to stamp out violence in the workplace.
Chief Executive of WorkSafe, Colin Radford said the new campaign, Too many workers face this every day: It’s Never OK, built on the Agency’s previous Its Never Ok campaign, which focussed on workplace violence and aggression towards healthcare workers.
“Just because someone works in customer service or in volatile situations does not mean they should be exposed to work-related violence or aggression,” Mr Radford said.
“As a community we need to recognise this behaviour is unacceptable, because of the crippling psychological and physical trauma it can have on the health of those subject to it,” he said.
“Violence in the workplace is never okay, no matter if you are another worker, customer or member of the public.”
Mr Radford said the campaign sent a clear message to the Victorian community that everyone deserved to be treated with respect while at work.
He said the campaign, running across TV, radio, online and in print media, featured incidents from the worker’s perspective and aimed to remind employers and the community that violence and abuse was never ‘just part of the job’.
“It does not matter if it is a nurse, doctor, waiter, bar tender or bus driver, everyone has a right to a healthy and safe workplace,” he said.
“A series of videos detailing the experiences of real healthcare staff and public transport workers will also be launched online and through social media to show the challenges faced by workers.”
Mr Radford said WorkSafe would also run additional education and awareness campaigns with employers to remind them of their obligations to protect workers from violence and aggression in the workplace.
Further information for employees on work-related violence can be accessed on WorkSafe’s website at this PS News link and for employers at this link.
