Youth Justice Occupational Violence Survey - an electronic survey was circulated to all Youth Justice Custodial members as part of the Health and Safety Representative Support Officer (HSRSO) project within the Department of Human Services (DHS) to ascertain any potential risk(s) that may be a contributing factor to occupational violence at your workplace.

The main survey findings are as follows:

     54% of respondents say that violence and threats are accepted as “part of the job” by managers, supervisors and employees
     73% of respondents say that they are not treated with dignity and respect from management
     63% of respondents say that they do not feel safe whilst they are at work
     73% of respondents say that they are required to work in “high risk” areas for long periods of time
     89% of respondents say that employees are exposed to some type of physical or verbal violence and threats while they are at work
     71% of respondents say that employees are exposed to some type of physical or verbal violence threats on a daily basis while they are at work
     87% of respondents say that they work with clients with a history of violent behaviour or mental condition on a daily basis
     62% of respondents say that employees are required to work in isolated areas for the entire duration of the shift
     80% of respondents say that they have experienced violent behaviour and assaults from clients while they were working
     75% of respondents say that management do not respond to DINMAs in a timely manner
     78% of respondents say HSRs require more management support when dealing with OHS issues at the workplace
     83% of respondents say that current staffing levels and resources are not appropriate to enable YJ staff to deal with associated risks from current clients history of violence and demographics
     100% of respondents say that they are required to handle and administer some type of medications  or drugs on a daily basis while they at working but not everyone has access to training related to administering certain types of  medication to clients

Due to the latest assaults from YJ clients on staff members CPSU believe that some of the survey findings are a reason of concern and we are currently working with members, HSRs and management to ensure that DHS management can provide access to a healthy and safe work environment as per S.21 of the OHS Act 2004.

Thank you to all of the YJ staff that took the time to complete the survey

Do not hesitate to contact HSR Support Officer Sergio Pirisi on 9639 1822 or by email spirisi@cpsuvic.org should you require any further support or information.