Prevention and management of aggression in ... - WorkSafe Victoria

3.Review, prepare and implementA written record of risk assessments will assist with periodic reviews, whetherdone annually, when operations change or incidents of workplace aggressionor violence occur. They also help assess the effects of change, provide a bodyof organisational evidence that will identify achievements and assist in furtherdecision-making.Tool T1 uses a risk matrix to self-report exposure to aggression and violencethat might otherwise go unreported and could be used as part of the hazardidentification and risk assessment process.Incident and ‘near miss’ investigationThe organisational self-assessment tool (Tool 01) allows for the review of currentsystems, expectations and processes associated with reporting and investigations.Incident and ‘near miss’ investigation is discussed in chapter 5.3.3 ImplementationRisk control is a process of implementing effective measures to eliminate orreduce risks to health and safety. If risks cannot be eliminated, the OHS Actrequires they be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. Consider whetherthe hazard can be removed or if the activity that precipitates the risk can bediscontinued or changed to eliminate the risk. One or more of the following controlmethods could be used to eliminate or reduce the risk of occupational aggressionor violence:• Elimination at the source of risks, e.g. utilising particular building designprinciples, such as calming or non-stimulating colour schemes, removingpotential missiles/weapons or installing a direct taxi phone.• Substitution of the hazard with something posing a lower risk, e.g. changesto client contact arrangements, such as telephone contact, video intercomsat night entrances.• Isolation, e.g. security glass or metal screens to protect staff, secure retreatareas for staff.• Engineering control, e.g. timely maintenance and repair of equipmentor dual access and exit points to eliminate potential entrapment.• Administration, e.g. signage, personal protective equipment, training andeducation, job rotation.It is recommended that these control measures be considered and applied indescending order. A combination of measures may be required, but ‘higher level’control options will always be more effective.WorkSafe Victoria Handbook / Prevention and management of aggression in health services 9