Verbal abuse is a health hazard

Don't put up with verbal abuse, writes JOAN LEMAIRE.

Verbal abuse and threats directed at teachers by students and others often cause distress. Many teachers report that constantly facing insolence and intimidatory behaviour including standing over, yelling, threats, foul language and sexist, racist or homophobic slurs causes them to suffer insomnia, anxiety or other illnesses. This behaviour is usually dealt with as a disciplinary issue and should be, but it is also an occupational health and safety (OH&S) issue.

Verbal abuse and threatening behaviour is a hazard because it has the potential to cause psychological harm. The OH&S legislation requires that the Department of Education and Training (DET) identify these hazards, assess the risk in terms of the likelihood of causing injury or illness and the severity of the injury or illness. It must then eliminate or control the risks.

The DET is, however, absolved of this responsibility if it is not notified of the risk of the injury or illness which may result over a period of time.

What can we do about it?

Teachers cannot be victimised for reporting a hazard or an incident which has the potential to, or has caused, them illness or injury. There are penalties under the OH&S Act to prevent this occurring.

Where members determine that these behaviours are impacting on the health and safety of staff, a Federation meeting should be called to discuss the issue. The meeting may determine that additional support and resources are required, and in consultation with the Federation Organiser should put these demands to the Director of the school education area.

Joan Lemaire is an Industrial Officer.