My name is Marlo.
I work as a clinical educator in a hospital in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Hi. My name's Mike.
I am a nurse educator.
I'm very passionate about trying to decrease the amount of OVA incidents that occur in hospitals throughout Victoria.
I'm passionate about reducing the incidences of occupational violence and aggression and making the environment for my colleagues a safe one.
What sort of incidents have you seen?
I have witnessed many OVA incidents throughout my career.
They can range from being abused both physically and verbally...
Punched, knives being thrown, cars being driven through the front entrance of the department.
Scratched, bit, hit.
Injuries from being strangled to jaws being broken.
Why is it important for incidents to be reported?
It's really important that OVA incidents are reported, because it helps promote a safe working environment.
If workers are safe, then the hospital can function, patients can be cared for, and we're not worried about the threat of being hurt or abused.
What are some of the benefits of the OVA incident investigation tool?
The incident investigation tool is a fantastic document to use in conjunction with the RiskMan reporting system.
The investigation tool provides a structure to the investigation.
It is specific enough to highlight the areas that could have contributed to it, but broad enough that it can be a wide-reaching investigation.
It closes that circle of communication so that staff and management can follow up on the incident properly.
It helps identify risks and what prevention strategies can be put in place to prevent further OVA incidents occurring.
It's a checklist to have a look into the areas that it may have failed and what we can do better in the future to prevent them.
'It's Never OK' campaign has had a positive effect on workers in providing education on what OVA incidents are and highlighting that all staff have a right to work in a safe environment, free from violence and aggression.
Any other advice for healthcare workers and managers?
Support your colleagues, promote the message of 'reporting is essential'.
It's not OK to accept this or tolerate this anymore.
If we don't work together, we put ourselves at risk.
We all have a right to feel safe when we turn up to our work environment.
No matter what the situation, it's never OK.