Assaults on healthcare workers up

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Injury hospitalisations among healthcare workers report explored work-related injuries among healthcare workers that were serious enough to require hospitalisation between 2015-16 and 2024-25.

In 2024-25, there were 126 assault-related hospitalisations of healthcare workers in Australia, an increase from 49 2015-16.

The figures were based on National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) records of work related injuries across those in community health services, dental services, general practice medical services, hospitals, nursing homes, specialist medical services and veterinary activities.

Assault has moved up from the fourth to the second leading cause of injury hospitalisation among healthcare workers, second only to falls.

Falls account for just over a third of all work related hospitalisations of health workers while assaults account for 15.4%, just ahead of contact with objects, over exertion and transport.

In comparison, assault is the seventh highest cause of injury hospitalisation for the general Australian population.

Workplace violence and harassment is recognised as a major cause of injury among healthcare workers, with higher rates of work-related violence than many other industries according to Safe Work Australia. 

While the AIHW data looked at a wide range of healthcare workers, results from global research last year found that violence and abuse towards general practice staff was widespread.

Doctors’ Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA) assistant director Sarah Newman said structures within organisations in terms of safety and security, as well as workplaces appropriately responding to and dealing with incidents of violence, were integral.

“That includes recognising trauma associated responses, which can affect mental health, lead to poor performance, avoidant behaviours and even leaving the profession,” she told Medical Forum..

Workplaces should have debriefing processes in place for staff who were subject to violence and wanted to access these processes, Dr Newman said.

Lower rates in WA

The rate of assault on healthcare workers in WA for the 10 year period analysed was far lower than the other five states and territories where data was available.

In WA, there were 3.6 assaults recorded per 100,000 healthcare workers, followed by 6.1 per 100,000 in the Australian Capital Territory. The highest rate of assualt was recorded in Victoria, with 9.3 per 100,000.

The AIHW did identify limitations to the data due to the “high use of unspecified codes” within the NHMD.

“The low completeness of the activity code may mean that there is an undercount of injuries among healthcare workers if activity was not recorded,” the institute noted.

DHASWA provides a confidential, anonymous 24/7 advice line and referral system for health and personal problems, with calls exempt from the mandatory reporting requirements of the Medical Board of Australia.