NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, Manager, Regulatory Engagement SafeWork NSW Kate Podryhula and NSLHD Executive Director, Poeple and Culture Kerrie Pryke
Turning conversation into action on workplace violence and aggression
Every member of the workforce deserves to feel safe, supported and respected at work. That commitment was at the centre of a recent round-table hosted by Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, bringing together staff, leaders and experts to focus on what more can be done to prevent and respond to workplace violence and aggression across our district. Violence and aggression towards healthcare workers remains one of the most significant safety and psychosocial risks facing our workforce. Across hospitals, community services and specialty facilities, staffcan be exposed to behaviours that affect not only their physical safety, but also their wellbeing, confidence and sense of dignity at work. The round-table was an opportunity to move beyond recognising the problem and focus on practical action.
The taskforce will work with staff and partners to strengthen prevention, improve the response when incidents occur and create safer workplaces across the district. Anthony said protecting staff was a fundamental responsibility. “As chief executive, I am committed to working with our staff, leaders, Board, unions, professional associations and external partners to strengthen prevention strategies, improve our response when incidents occur, and continue building workplaces where people feel safe, supported and respected,” he said. “Every member of our workforce has the right to come to work and return home safely and this roundtable was an important step in that ongoing commitment.”
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer PSM and NSW Ambulance Associate Director Safety Sascha Newton shared their expertise and insights, alongside guest speakers and colleagues from iCare, Sydney Local Health District and NSW Health. Participants generously shared their experiences and challenged the group to think differently about what more can be done to protect our people. By the end of the round-table, the district had committed to establishing a dedicated district-wide violence and aggression taskforce to lead its response and strengthen accountability for this ongoing issue.
The round-table produced lots of valuable discussion
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