SA Health workers facing high rates of violence, aggression

Almost a quarter of SA Health’s workers reported experiencing violence and aggression, a much higher rate than the overall public service.

SA Health workers are dealing with significantly more violence and aggression than the overall public service, as well as higher rates of racism, bullying and harassment.

A “People Matter” survey sent to 49,503 SA Health employees ranging from frontline clinicians to office workers found almost 1-in-4 had experienced some form of violence and aggression.

The 24 per cent figure compares to the overall public service figure of 18 per cent.

Top types of such action were listed as angry or hostile behaviour; shouting and swearing; verbal threats; intimidation and insults. Also listed were physical assaults, biting spitting, scratching, throwing objects, shoving, tripping and grabbing.

Almost two-thirds of the aggression was from clients, customers or stakeholders while 17 per cent was from the general public.

The survey showed aggression and violence towards SA Health staff comes amid record ramping at places like the Royal Adelaide Hospital emergency department. Picture: Calum Robertson

The survey also found almost one-third of SA Health workers had witnessed bullying or harassment compared to the overall public service figure of 26 per cent, while 20 per cent had experienced it compared to the public service’s 16 per cent.

The survey taken in February-March with a 31 per cent participation rate found the top form of alleged bullying was verbal intimidation, mainly by managers and co-workers.

Less than 10 per cent said they had experienced discrimination, and by far the most common type was age discrimination, usually by managers and co-workers.

Asking about racism, 13 per cent of SA Health workers who responded said they had witnessed it, and the same number had experienced it, compared to the overall public service figures of 10 per cent for both.

More than one-third of such behaviour reportedly comes from clients, customers or stakeholders while co-workers were blamed for 26 per cent.

The biggest psychosocial hazard felt by SA Health workers is “emotional demands”, nominated by 71 per cent, well ahead of things like “role overload” on 31 per cent.

The survey also found 57 per cent of SA Health’s workforce expect to stay working there for at least the next three years, one point better than the overall public service figure.

Just 39 per cent of respondents said they felt “energised at work” behind the public service figure of 42 per cent.

Department for Health and Wellbeing acting chief executive, Sinéad O’Brien said: “The safety of our patients and staff remains our absolute priority. We know abuse and violent behaviour increased 43 per cent from the public towards healthcare workers last year, which is why we launched the ‘Abuse Shouldn’t Be Part of the Job’ campaign.

“Bullying, violence and aggression is completely unacceptable and must not be tolerated. “Following the release of the survey, we are holding focus groups to discuss the survey findings with staff. We will use that feedback to plan appropriate actions.”

Health unions also are campaigning for safer workplaces.

Originally published as SA Health workers facing high rates of violence, aggression