The project aims to explore a community-based approach to reduce workplace violence and improve safety for rural and remote health professionals, teachers and police.

Instigated by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) in collaboration with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, the Australian Nursing Federation, the Queensland Teacher’s Union CRANAplus and the Police Federation of Australia, the project was developed following a national roundtable held in 2009 on workplace violence, which identified common risks faced by rural professionals in the health, education and policing sectors.

Dr Jenny May, Chair of the Project Steering Committee and Chair of RDAA’s Female Doctors Group, said that violence against rural professionals was an issue close to her heart.

“Many rural and remote professionals—particularly doctors, nurses, teachers and police—are vulnerable to violence in the workplace.

“We are often working on our own, rarely have access to support services, and commonly work on an outreach basis within an isolated setting.

“We are very pleased that the Australian Department of Health and Ageing has recognised this issue and provided funding for the project.

“The first stage of the project will include the development of a national framework to promote safe work practices that help reduce the risk of violence against rural professionals and their staff.”

The survey is available at www.workingsafesur vey.com until 17 February 2012, and is intended for health professionals, teachers and police officers working in rural and remote locations in Australia with a population of less than 25,000 people.

It will take around 10-15 minutes to complete and asks about issues surrounding workplace safety, including any exposure to workplace violence, and effective strategies to respond to and manage workplace violence.

Participants can enter a draw to win an iPod touch valued at $200.

For further information regarding the project, please contact RDAA CEO, Jenny Johnson, on (02) 6239 7730 or 0429 931 120.