As a result of its integrated industry pilot program, WorkSafe Victoria have issued a duress alarms safety alert to all employers in Victorian hospitals and other healthcare settings.
The alert comes after WorkSafe recognised a systemic issue regarding duress alarms and system across the healthcare sector. Employers now must review current systems to ensure no identified issues are present. All employees must have access to appropriate duress alarms, where to find them and how to use them.
ANMF (Vic Branch) commends WorkSafe Victoria for taking this issue seriously as safety alerts are rarely issued in the healthcare sector, but more common in construction sector. The Branch will be bringing the alert to the attention of employers via the occupational violence and aggression (OVA) committees to ensure your Health and Safety Reps (HSR) are involved.
Are wearing your duress alarm around your neck?
ANMF (Vic Branch) advises members that no duress alarm should be worn on a lanyard around your neck.
If this is happening, please raise this as an occupational health and safety (OHS) issue immediately through your employer’s internal procedure, citing the new safety alert to ensure a new system is implemented. Please ensure your HSR is copied in.
An urgent review of duress should be undertaken within your service, and this should be raised and discussed at your workplace’s OHS and the OVA committees.
