Campaign aims to prevent workplace aggression

THE State Government has launched a new WorkSafe campaign to prevent aggression and violence in the workplace.

The ‘don’t cross the line’ campaign aims to highlight the toll yelling, swearing and hostility has on workers.

It will run on television, radio, social media and in print, and will feature in workplaces.

“All workers have the right to feel safe at work, and while aggression and violence from members of the public isn’t a new workplace hazard, sadly we know the problem is getting worse,” WorkSafe health and safety executive director Sam Jenkin said.

“Every day, too many workers are reduced to tears, sent home from work early, or turn up to their shift with a knot in their stomach because of repeated encounters with aggressive or violent people – enough is enough.”

In the past year, nearly 1000 workers around Victoria were seriously injured because of work-related violence or aggression – and 100 of the victims were less than 25 years old.

The campaign shows situations where people may feel frustrated and how workers may face several acts of aggression in one day.

“There is never a place for aggressive or violent behaviour and this campaign is asking Victorians a very simple thing – to treat workers with the respect they deserve,” Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll said.

“Aggression in the workplace is a community problem and needs a community response, so we’re asking all Victorians to step up and the next time you’re getting frustrated in a workplace, pause and ask yourself – am I crossing the line?”