INTERNATIONAL NEWS Report on the 2011 New Zealand Workplace Violence Survey


Some 96 organisations responded to the online 2011 Workplace Violence Survey conducted by Massey University which represents over 76,000 New Zealand employees (approx. 4% of the employed workforce). The survey respondentWas most frequently the organisation’s health and safety manager, advisor or coordinator.


Just over one--half of the organizations participating in the study reported cases of workplace violence, With a roughly even split between physical assault and property--related violence. A total of nearly 2500 cases of workplace violence were reported in 2009 by the 96 organisations participating in the survey. Highest incidence of workplace violence was reported for the attempted assault’ categories, while a total of 436 cases involved some form of physical injury (18% of all reported cases).


To read the full study click here


Canada: Ontario Government Passes Bill 160 Amendments Article by Norm Keith and Ryan D. Campbell


On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the Government of Ontario passed Bill 160, An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 with respect to occupational health and safety and other matters. Upon receiving Royal Assent, the Act will become law, and will come into force no later than April 1, 2012.


To read more click here 84% of Irish Employees ‘Admit’ to Being Close to Committing Workplace Violence


New research published by Peninsula Ireland, has revealed that 84% of Irish employees admit they have been close to unleashing workplace violence. In 2009, the figure stood at 75%. The research highlighted that 84% of Irish employees admitted to wanting to unleash violence on a colleague while 73% admitted incompetency in their fellow employees raises the anger levels.


From an employers’ perspective, 56% of those surveyed said they had experienced an employee’s rage in the workplace, an increase from 42% in 2009. The ‘rage’ from employees range from office vandalism, through to physical violence, which includes anything from aggressive pushing, through to punching.


“If stress leads onto physical violence then managers need to treat this as a serious issue. In most cases this would lead to a disciplinary and could result in the employee losing their job as it is a serious offence which is affecting the safety of the workforce.


Consequently Mr. Price stated: “With stress being at an all time high it is vital that companies do their utmost to reduce the level of stress in the workplace. To prevent any major confrontations it would be beneficial for businesses to implement a stress release programme.


“Avenues such as anger management courses and stress release therapy are very plausible concepts that would help stem stress in the workplace.


To read more click here


Want to Contribute an Article or Share Your Research or How You Handled a Situation.


Contact Barry Nixon at Barry@wvp911.com. 4


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