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Workplace violence is a harsh reality for many organisations in the UK. Recently, lone working platform Safepoint ran a campaign (with support from The Care Workers’ Charity) aimed at highlighting the shocking rates of violence and aggression health and social care workers have to deal with every day.
According to a 12-month survey by Community Care, 85% of social workers experience assault, harassment, or verbal abuse. This rarely discussed problem was the centre of Safepoint’s #Every30Minutes campaign.
Attacks on health and social care workers can include kicking, hair pulling, biting, hitting and spitting, as well as attacks with objects. Care workers have also shared their experiences of threats and abuse based on their gender or race.
From protecting equipment to repairing property damage and increasing safety costs, the financial impact of workplace violence on business is huge.
Not only are there tangible costs, but a damaged reputation can have long-term intangible financial impacts, as the organisation or service becomes less attractive as a profession and the likelihood of legal liability for the business is growing significantly.
By implementing a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program, companies can help create a safer and more secure work environment for their employees.
Workplace violence is any attack or threat of physical harm that occurs in a work environment. This includes physical attacks, threats, harassment, intimidation, or other forms of abuse that affect the safety and well-being of employees or others in the workplace.
Workplace violence can have significant and far-reaching effects on employees, including increased absenteeism, emotional distress and long-term mental health issues, as well as high rates of staff turnover due to a decrease in job satisfaction.
Any occurrences need to be recorded in care plans with an adequate risk assessment for handling the behaviour to protect the resident and staff. This also helps in defending liability if an event occurs.
If the behaviour with an individual becomes so challenging, you may need to consider another provision more equipped for their needs.
Employers need to deliver training to staff to give them the skills to recognise triggers in a client's behaviour and the confidence to manage these situations from de-escalating the situation to safely breaking away from an attack without injuring either party. This is where Quality Care Group’s conflict management training can help.
At Quality Care Group, we believe that through effective training, employees should be empowered and confident in their ability to cope if they experience workplace violence.
Find out more about Conflict Management Training by speaking to our Risk Control Team on 01273 242904.
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