Workplace Trauma

Within organizations, case law and legal statutes place specific requirements on the employer to provide and maintain a safe working environment and to keep abreast of current knowledge and research in the area of traumatic stress.

Where trauma occurs in an organization, there is a need for the employer to protect the health and well-being of the workforce. In order to meet its duty of care the organization needs to be fully aware of those employees that are particularly vulnerable and the situations that are most likely to cause post-traumatic stress. The longer-term effects of trauma can be extremely distressing and may involve anxiety, depression, dissociation and social problems such as alcoholism and the inability to maintain relationships.

The law attempts to protect employees by placing a duty of care on the employer. In order to meet this duty the organization has to put in place a number of policies and procedures including ensuring that there are adequate risk assessments, safe practices and post-trauma support for employees that become involved in traumatic events.

Unfortunately, the law itself can cause further harm to victims of traumatic exposure. The main difficulties involve the length of time it can take to bring a case to court and the use of multiple assessments. However, many employees have been successful in claiming damages from their employer for failure to provide a safe place of work, safe practices and procedures and support.