Latrobe Regional Health charged after nurse "seriously assaulted" by patient

After a November 2024 incident in which a nurse was seriously assaulted at a Traralgon hospital by a patient with a history of violence and aggression, Latrobe Regional Health is facing three charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act — for failing, so far as was reasonably practicable, to provide a safe working environment. WorkSafe Victoria alleges that the organisation twice breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act “by failing to maintain systems of work for recording any history of violence or aggression on patients’ medical records and implementing risk management strategies on that basis, and failing to provide or maintain a system of work whereby employees had mobile or personal duress alarms”. It is further alleged by Victoria’s work health and safety regulator that, by failing to provide necessary information or instruction to employees about the location of fixed duress alarms at the hospital, Latrobe Regional Health breached section 21(2)(e) of the OHS Act. The matter is listed for a first mention at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 1 July. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, 1800RESPECT has a 24/7 support service that can help; please call 1800 737 732. Image credit: iStock.com/dahuang1231. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.