Karmactive Staff
A Royal Hobart Hospital nurse says a group of young men chased her to her car after a late shift. Her union says parking is a safety issue for staff. If you work late shifts, here is what the law says employers must do and what you can do.
Nurse Audrey McAllister told ABC Radio Hobart she encountered a group of young men while walking to her car at Queens Domain, about a kilometre from the hospital, after a shift that finished at about 11 pm. ABC News reported that she was chased by about seven young men who shouted at her. Emily Shepherd, secretary of the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), said "this is not an isolated case" and is calling on the state government for safer parking options, including security escorts or a shuttle service. ABC reported that Queens Domain is poorly lit and largely bushland, and that Hobart's CBD has no designated parking for hospital staff. A Tasmanian Government representative condemned any violence towards health staff and said violence prevention risk assessments are being carried out at all hospital entrances.
Employers must manage foreseeable work-related risks so far as reasonably practicable. Shift-working nurses, midwives and allied health staff who face unsafe walks to their cars can raise it in writing with their employer or health and safety representative, and ask what controls are available, such as escorts. A written record shows the problem was reported.
McAllister said there are no subsidised parking rates for healthcare workers. The Market Place car park is open around the clock but is costly for staff who use it several times a week. hospital-workforce coverage
Are Australian public hospitals legally required to provide secure parking for night-shift staff? Hospitals are not required to give every worker free parking. But Work Health and Safety laws require employers to manage foreseeable risks so far as reasonably practicable. That can include safe transit or security escort options at night, depending on the risk assessment and the law in each state.
A Royal Hobart Hospital nurse was chased after a late shift, and the union wants parking and escort fixes. Staff should log safety concerns in writing. The ANMF has put its proposals to the Tasmanian government. Check back for updates.
