This National Safe Work Month, the Australian Medical Association is calling for urgent action to protect doctors and healthcare workers from escalating violence and aggression in medical settings.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said workplace violence is a daily reality for many frontline medical professionals, threatening both their safety and the quality of care they provide.
‘Everyone has the right to feel safe at work,’ Dr McMullen said. ‘Yet violence in hospitals and healthcare facilities remains an unacceptable and all-too-common experience for many doctors.
‘Safe work environments are essential for clinical learning, quality care, and better patient outcomes. They support not only the wellbeing of doctors, but also the safety and recovery of patients.’
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates up to 38 per cent of medical professionals will experience physical violence during their careers.
In Australia, the national body for workplace safety, Safe Work Australia, identifies healthcare as a high-risk industry. Some estimates suggest up to 95 per cent of Australian healthcare workers have faced physical or verbal abuse.
Consequences
Dr McMullen warned the consequences of workplace violence can be severe and far-reaching, including:
- physical injuries, including serious harm and death
- psychological impacts such as stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- reduced job satisfaction, increased absenteeism, and impaired clinical performance
- negative effects on patient safety and outcomes.
Dr McMullen said properly resourcing care — particularly in high-pressure areas such as mental health, drug and alcohol services, and emergency departments — is critical.
‘Doctors often care for patients and families at their most vulnerable, when emotions are running high. But when that frustration spills over into violence, it puts lives at risk — and it’s completely unacceptable,’ Dr McMullen said.
‘Investing in adequate staffing, training, and support is essential to reducing risk and improving outcomes for both patients and clinicians.’
Response needed
The AMA is urging governments, hospitals, training bodies, and healthcare administrators to lead change by:
- implementing robust risk-management systems to prevent and respond to workplace violence
- investing in reporting and evaluation mechanisms to monitor effectiveness
- supporting affected doctors with mental health resources and recovery pathways
- promoting a culture of zero tolerance for aggression and abuse.
The AMA says it is also encouraging hospitals to publicly commit to safety by developing and communicating clear workplace safety policies that recognise the link between staff wellbeing and patient care.
‘Creating safe healthcare environments is a shared responsibility,’ Dr McMullen said. ‘Safety in healthcare isn’t just about physical hazards — it’s also about protecting mental health and fostering a culture of respect and support.
‘Eliminating violence in the medical workplace benefits everyone. When we protect our doctors, we protect our patients — and strengthen the entire health system,’ she said. ‘Violence and aggression have no place in healthcare.’
