Workplace Violence Risk for Health Care Workers

By Claire Mayhew and Duncan Chappell

Workplace violence is an OHS issue of increasing concern in a range of industry sectors, including health care.

In recent years, a series of scientific research studies have been conducted in both industrialized and developing countries. Evidence from these countries indicates that health care workers are at significant risk of physical assault, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse. In this article the authors discuss the health occupations at greatest risk and high-risk scenarios are identified. Quotes from health care workers to elucidate common scenarios are included.

(CCH Journal of Occupational Health and Safety Australia and New Zealand; vol. 23, no 2, April 2007; p153-63)