Being sworn at, threatened or subjected to intimidating behaviour remains the biggest safety concern for Tasman District Council staff.
Figures from the council’s latest health and safety report, presented to its Audit and Risk Committee on 30 September, show 17 incidents involving aggressive, abusive or intimidating behaviour in the three months to 30 June.
The total was unchanged from the previous quarter, with 17 incidents reported in both periods.
The report says that dealing with members of the public continues to be a “significant risk” for staff, prompting the council to introduce training aimed at helping workers manage difficult interactions before they escalate.
Staff handling phone calls and emails will be trained to recognise early warning signs, remain calm, set clear boundaries, and know when to end a conversation or seek help.
The training will initially be provided to the rates team.
Frontline staff are also being offered training for face-to-face situations, including how to stay aware of their surroundings, position themselves safely, work in pairs and recognise when it is time to withdraw.
Other workplace incidents also featured in the latest figures.
Vehicle-related incidents increased from three to five, while incidents involving equipment misuse or malfunction rose from two to five. There were six slips, trips and falls during the three-month period.
On a positive note, incidents involving unsafe conditions fell from five to two.
The council says that the decrease could indicate that regular workplace inspections and action to address hazards are helping reduce physical risks.
