The Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) is currently conducting a survey for members in Service NSW staff to better understand the instances and impact of occupational violence across workplaces.

Members are being asked about their experiences, whether recent, past, or ongoing, to help the union advocate for safer workplaces.

They can fill out the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ServiceNSWOccViolence

The survey is restricted to PSA members working at Service NSW.

Specifically, members are asked about the nature of violent incidences, that is, verbal, written, physical, sexual, property damage or bullying; how often it has happened, who the perpetrator was (member of the public, management, colleague, contractor), and where it happened.

Occupational violence is more than just physical assault, it includes any instance where a worker is abused, threatened, harassed, or intimidated while doing their job. This can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, aggressive behaviour, sexual harassment, or bullying by customers, members of the public, co-workers or management.

“The PSA is definitely aware that occupational violence does not only occur in Service NSW,” said Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright. “The survey has been organised due to an increase of this abhorrent behaviour in this department, and the membership reporting it to their management and the PSA.

“If you have experienced this, or even worse, if you currently are experiencing it, report it. There are many ways to report workplace misbehaviour in discreet ways. Talk to your workplace delegate. Call the PSA Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 or email [email protected]

“Or, if you are comfortable, report it to your manager or human resources team.”