Urgent Call for Nurse Safety: Lessons from WorkSafe ACT Findings

The Alarming Findings of WorkSafe ACT Investigation

The recent WorkSafe ACT investigation has brought to light some alarming conditions faced by outreach nurses and allied health workers during home visits. The investigation, triggered by a series of assaults, found that these healthcare professionals were exposed to life-threatening situations that could have resulted in severe physical and psychological harm or even death. The findings were a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols in the healthcare sector, especially for outreach workers during home visits.

WorkSafe ACT issued several safety notices to Canberra Health Services (CHS), highlighting the ineffective risk assessments and unsafe alarm systems that left nurses vulnerable. The investigation revealed that the existing protocols were insufficient to protect healthcare workers from the dangers they faced during home visits, necessitating immediate action to rectify these shortcomings.

Real-Life Incidents of Violence Faced by Nurses

Nurses are facing serious violence during home visits, and it’s putting their lives at risk. Reports of nurses being met with axes, machetes, knives, and even guns were not uncommon. These terrifying encounters highlighted the dire need for stronger safety measures.

In one instance, a nurse arrived at a home only to be greeted by a patient wielding a machete. In another, a family member opened the door holding an axe. Such incidents were not isolated, as healthcare workers frequently found themselves in similarly dangerous situations, leading to significant physical and emotional trauma.

Healthcare Services' Response and Implemented Changes

In response to the WorkSafe ACT findings, Canberra Health Services took immediate steps to address the safety concerns. CHS implemented several mandatory changes, including strengthening the risk assessment tools, ensuring mandatory training for staff before home visits, and providing duress devices to all healthcare workers.

CHS Chief Executive Dave Peffer acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for continuous improvement. He emphasised that occupational violence had been a long-standing issue and that the organisation would continue to work closely with WorkSafe ACT to enhance safety protocols and protect its staff.

Union and Worker Advocacy for Improved Safety Measures

The response from unions and healthcare workers was one of frustration and disappointment. According to Maddy Northam, the CPSU ACT Regional Secretary, members raised safety concerns for years without seeing substantial changes. The incidents highlighted by the WorkSafe ACT investigation were not new, and the lack of timely action had left many feeling let down.

Union representatives stressed the importance of proactive measures rather than reactive ones. They argued that the safety of healthcare workers should not depend on external investigations but should be a fundamental priority for healthcare organisations. The unions called for more robust and enforceable safety protocols to protect their members from harm.

Critical Steps to Enhance Nurse Safety Protocols

Addressing the urgent work health and safety concerns highlighted by the recent WorkSafe ACT investigation requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. Ensuring lone worker safety in healthcare, especially during home visits, means deploying better technology, training, and support systems. Critical steps include:

• Enhanced Training: Mandatory training for all healthcare workers on managing occupational violence and practising safe work practices, helping to create a healthy workplace that prioritises both patient safety and staff wellbeing.
• Improved Risk Assessments: Introducing modern workplace health care protocols that use lone worker monitoring, lone worker GPS tracking devices, and other risk management tools to accurately identify and mitigate threats before they escalate.
• Provision of Safety Equipment: Equipping staff with essential safety devices like personal safety alarms, duress alarms, body cameras, and access to a reliable safety app solution, ensuring workers have instant access to emergency response systems if needed.
• Regular Safety Audits: Conducting audits using the latest safety alert apps, duress systems, and workplace safety devices to ensure policies are not only in place but are working effectively to protect healthcare and community staff.
• Support Systems: Providing psychological support, occupational violence leave, and access to modern lone worker protection devices, which combine mobile duress alarms and body cameras into one powerful personal health alarm system.

By implementing these measures, healthcare organisations can set a new standard for safety in the workplace. Investing in advanced duress alarm systems, lone worker apps, emergency button solutions, and safety merchandise can help create a safer working environment for nurses, allied health workers, and in-home care teams, ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to go home safe every day.

Future Directions and the Importance of Ongoing Vigilance

The WorkSafe ACT investigation is a strong reminder that protecting healthcare workers requires ongoing action. While the immediate improvements by CHS are positive, a lasting commitment to safety is critical.

Next steps should focus on continuous monitoring of safety protocols, building a strong culture of safety across healthcare organisations, and maintaining open communication between staff and leadership. Partnering with unions and regulators will also be key to upholding high standards.

By taking proactive measures, healthcare organisations can create a safer, more supportive environment for nurses and allied health workers, helping ensure every worker gets home safely.