Citation

Newhouse T. Safety Sci. 1997; 25(1-3): 231-236.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Occupational violence in the aged care setting is a widespread, yet largely unrecognised OHS problem. Staff believe that resident violence is 'just part of the job' and are reluctant to report incidents. This paper argues that the existing approach to the control of verbal and physical abuse, which is based on the care giver's competence, is somewhat ineffective. It is contended that an approach based on the occupational health and safety principles of management responsibility for the prevention of aggression, no longer blaming the victim, effective communication between staff and management, and debriefing following incidents, will provide a solid foundation for a preventive program.