Post by Psychgroup

Latrobe Regional Health’s recent charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act underscore the need to proactively manage psychosocial risks. It is alleged the organisation failed to maintain systems for recording patients’ histories of violence or aggression and did not provide adequate escalation and support procedures, matters now the subject of WorkSafe action. There are three practical steps every duty holder should embed into their systems of work: 1. Know what ought to be known: Intake and clinical records should capture relevant history and presenting behaviours so the likelihood of aggression can be anticipated. This means structured intake questions, clear documentation standards, and routine review of behavioural history. Good recordkeeping is not optional; it’s a frontline prevention measure. 2. Reduce the likelihood through proactive controls: Before an incident occurs, deploy layered controls: environmental design, staffing and rostering, clear escalation pathways, visible and tested duress systems (fixed and mobile), and pre‑shift briefings for staff. Training matters, but it is not a substitute for engineering and organisational controls. Plan, test and resource these controls in advance. 3. Prepare staff to respond safely: Ensure staff know escalation protocols, how to use duress alarms, and what immediate steps to take. Regular drills, clear communication, and accessible guidance reduce harm and demonstrate a system that takes risk seriously. This case is a reminder that regulators are watching, enforcement is not theoretical. WorkSafe’s recent activity shows a focus on whether employers have systems of work that proactively assess risk and evidence the deployment of appropriate controls. What organisations should do now: - Map controls for all identified psychosocial hazards using the hierarchy of controls noted in the psychological health Compliance Code. - Conduct person centred investigations post incident to understand and improve patient intake processes, escalation systems including relevant codes, duress and alarm systems (fixed and mobile) and the inclusion of information, instruction, training and post incident support. Need help: www.psychgroup.com.au #OccupationalSafety #WorkplaceSafety #PsychosocialRisk #OVA #WorkplaceViolence #OHS #WHS #PsychosocialRiskManagement #Psychgroup https://lnkd.in/gFVBJKKm